Abnormal posturing

Home care:

Most conditions associated with abnormal posturing require hospital treatment.

Call your health care provider if:

Abnormal posturing often accompanies reduced consciousness. Anyone exhibiting these behaviors should be examined promptly by the health care provider.

Note: In some conditions such as prolonged coma, these behaviors can persist for an extended period of time.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Emergency measures may be begun immediately, including placement of an artificial airway (breathing tube) and assistance with breathing. The person will likely be hospitalized and in intensive care.

The medical history will be obtained from family members and a physical examination will be performed.

Medical history questions documenting abnormal posturing in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did this behavior start?
  • Is there a pattern to the occurrences?

• quality
  • Is it always the same type of posture?

• other
  • What other symptoms preceded or accompanied the abnormal posturing?
  • Is there any significant medical history (such as a known head injury)?

The physical examination will include a complete neurological assessment.

Diagnostic testing may include:

• head X-ray
• head CT scan
• cerebral angiography
• EEG
• brain scan
• ICP monitoring (monitoring of the pressure inside the brain)

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to abnormal posturing to your personal medical record.