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Decorticate posture

Definition

Decorticate posture is an abnormal posturing in which a person is stiff with bent arms, clenched fists, and legs held out straight. The arms are bent in toward the body and the wrists and fingers are bent and held on the chest.

This type of posturing is a sign of severe damage in the brain. People who have this condition should get medical attention right away.
Alternative Names


Decorticate posture is a sign of damage to the nerve pathway in the midbrain, which is between the brain and spinal cord. The midbrain controls motor movement. Although decorticate posture is serious, it is usually not as serious as a type of abnormal posture called decerebrate posture.


Causes of decorticate posture include:

Bleeding in the brain from any cause
Brain stem tumor
Stroke
Brain problem due to drugs, poisoning, or infection
Traumatic brain injury
Brain problem due to liver failure
Increased pressure in the brain from any cause
Brain tumor
Infection, such as Reye syndrome



Abnormal posturing of any kind usually occurs with a reduced level of alertness.