Question

Which of the following describes decerebrate posturing?

A. Internal rotation and adduction of arms with flexion of elbows, wrists, and fingers.
B. Back hunched over, rigid flexion of all four extremities with supination of arms and plantar flexion of the feet.
C. Supination of arms, dorsiflexion of feet.
D. Back arched; rigid extension of all four extremities.

Answer 1

Decerebrate posturing involves rigid extension of the arms and legs, with arms by the sides and wrists pronated, suggesting severe brain injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

Decerebrate posturing is a type of abnormal body posture that involves rigid extension of the upper and lower extremities. It is a sign of severe brain injury, typically at the level of the brainstem. Patients displaying decerebrate posturing will present with arms extended by the sides, wrists pronated (turned inward), and fingers flexed. The legs are held out straight, and the toes are pointed downward, often with forced arching of the back. It frequently suggests increased intracranial pressure or damage to pathways in the midbrain that control postural responses.

The erector spinae muscles play a critical role in maintaining this posture, as they are responsible for postural support and can contract to keep the back in the extended position seen during decerebrate posturing.