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decerebrate posturing
Pronunciation: dee-SER-eh-brate
Abnormal rigid posture with arms extended and rotated inward, indicating severe brainstem damage.
Full Definition
An abnormal rigid posture characterized by extension and internal rotation of the arms, extension of the legs, and plantar flexion of the feet. Decerebrate posturing indicates severe damage to the brainstem at or below the level of the red nucleus and represents a worse neurological prognosis than decorticate posturing. This abnormal motor response may be spontaneous or triggered by noxious stimuli.
Usage
Usage note: Worse prognosis than decorticate posturing. Arms extended vs. flexed in decorticate posturing.
In Context
- "The patient exhibited decerebrate posturing bilaterally, indicating severe brainstem injury." — Intensive care unit assessment
- "Progression from decorticate to decerebrate posturing suggested worsening neurological status." — Neurocritical care monitoring
Also known as
extensor posturing
decerebrate rigidity
Contrasted with
normal posture
Don't confuse with
decorticate posturing
opisthotonus