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The Babinski reflex is a normal response in infants where the toes fan out when the sole of the foot is stroked; its absence can be a sign of neurological issues.

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A baby's drop foot led to a diagnosis of neuroblastoma after doctors found a spinal cyst and abdominal mass during investigations.

Home / Health / Baby's Foot Reflex Missed Cancer Sign

Baby's Foot Reflex Missed Cancer Sign

30 Nov, 2025

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Summary

A newborn's inability to perform the Babinski reflex indicated a rare cancer.
Doctors initially suspected nerve compression but found a spinal cyst.
Penelope was diagnosed with intermediate-risk neuroblastoma at four months old.

What began as a subtle concern over a newborn's foot has led to a life-altering cancer diagnosis. Katie Martinez noticed her two-week-old daughter, Penelope, couldn't perform the Babinski reflex on her left foot. Though initially attributing it to birth positioning or nerve compression, growing worry prompted a pediatrician visit, initiating a cascade of specialist referrals.

Further investigations, including a sonogram, revealed a cyst on Penelope's spine, escalating her case to neurosurgery. An MRI then uncovered a mass in her abdomen invading the spine, resulting in a diagnosis of intermediate-risk neuroblastoma. This rare cancer, typically affecting children under five, was a shocking revelation for the family.

Penelope, now four months old, is undergoing aggressive treatment, including chemotherapy and surgeries to remove the tumor. Despite the arduous process, she maintains a positive spirit. Her mother is documenting their experience on social media to raise awareness for neuroblastoma, urging parents to trust their instincts regarding their child's health.