Which statement regarding Babinski's reflex in infants is inaccurate?

The statement that mentions the stroke should be along the lateral edge and ball of the foot is not accurate regarding Babinski's reflex in infants. In a typical assessment of the Babinski reflex, the appropriate technique involves stroking the sole of the foot starting from the heel, moving along the lateral aspect towards the toes and then across to the ball of the foot.

This reflex is considered positive when there is fanning of the toes, which is a normal response in infants typically observed until about 12 months of age. A positive Babinski reflex beyond this age can be indicative of neurological issues, including pyramidal tract disease, suggesting dysfunction in the corticospinal pathway.

Understanding the proper technique for eliciting the Babinski reflex and the expected responses is crucial for assessing neurological function in infants, making the explanation for why the stroke direction is an important component of this assessment clear.