title: The Babinski-2 sign in hemifacial spasm.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hemifacial spasm is a common movement disorder. Differential diagnosis relies on clinical examination and is often difficult. The Babinski-2 sign is an underrecognized physical sign specifically found in patients with hemifacial spasm, although its prevalence and usefulness are a matter of debate.
  
  
  METHODS
  We examined 35 patients with hemifacial spasm prospectively for the presence of the Babinski-2 sign. We evaluated its correlation with severity of hemifacial spasm, concomitant facial nerve paralysis, and response to botulinum toxin. Twelve patients with blepharospasm served as the control population.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data for the Babinski-2 sign demonstrated high prevalence (86%), high specificity (100%), and high interrater reliability (92%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increased awareness of the Babinski-2 sign may aid diagnosis and potentially prompt earlier initiation of appropriate treatment. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society.
authors: Department of Neurology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany. pawlowsk@uni-muenster.de
authors: Matthias
authors: M
authors: Pawlowski
authors: Burkhard
authors: B
authors: Gess
authors: Stefan
authors: S
authors: Evers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D019569:Hemifacial Spasm / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015835:Ocular Motility Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins
keywords: Babinski-2 sign; blepharospasm; brow-lift sign; hemifacial spasm; other Babinski sign