Decerebrate posture
Definition:
An abnormal posturing exemplified by rigid extension of the arms with internal rotation, extension of the legs with internal rotation and downward pointing of the toes, retraction (backward arching) of the head, and overall muscle stiffness. The person holds the arms straight and toward the body, with the wrists turned inward and the fingers clenched in a fist; the legs are held stiffly out and the feet point downward toward the soles (plantar flexion).
Considerations:
Opisthotonos may accompany decerebrate posture in severe cases.
Usually, decerebrate posture indicates deterioration of the structures of the nervous system, particularly deterioration of the upper brain stem.
Decerebrate posture occurs in many patterns. It can occur on one side, on both sides, or in just the arms; it may alternate with decorticate posture; or a person can have decorticate posture on one side and decerebrate posture on the other.
Common causes:
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