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The Babinski‐2 sign in hemifacial spasm
Author(s) -
Pawlowski Matthias,
Gess Burkhard,
Evers Stefan
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
movement disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.352
H-Index - 198
eISSN - 1531-8257
pISSN - 0885-3185
DOI - 10.1002/mds.25472
Subject(s) - hemifacial spasm , blepharospasm , psychology , medicine , facial muscles , botulinum toxin , anesthesia , physical therapy , surgery , facial nerve , neuroscience
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