Question

Decerebrate and decorticaterigidity are abnormal postures that may occur as a result of a traumatic brain injury (tbi) due to damage to the motor pathways of the brain. which of the following statements is true regarding these abnormal postural patterns? select one:

a. decorticate rigidity is related to damage to the cerebral hemispheres of the brain and presents with spastic flexion of the upper extremities.
b. individuals with decerebrate rigidity typically have a better prognosis than those with decorticate rigidity.
c. decerebrate rigidity is related to damage to the structures of the brain stem and presents with spastic extension of the upper extremities.
d. both a and c are correct.

Answer 1

a. Decorticate rigidity is associated with cerebral hemisphere damage and involves spastic flexion of the upper extremities, while decerebrate rigidity is associated with brainstem damage and results in spastic extension of the upper extremities.

Step-by-step explanation:

Decerebrate and decorticate rigidity are abnormal postures that can result from damage to different parts of the brain due to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Decorticate rigidity is associated with damage to the cerebral hemispheres and is characterized by the spastic flexion of the upper extremities, while decerebrate rigidity is associated with damage to the brainstem, leading to spastic extension of the upper extremities. Hence, the correct statement is that decorticate rigidity relates to damage to the cerebral hemispheres and presents with spastic flexion of the upper extremities, and decerebrate rigidity relates to damage to the brainstem and presents with spastic extension of the upper extremities. This corresponds to option D: both A and C are correct.

Summing up the final answers:

• Decorticate rigidity is related to damage to the cerebral hemispheres.
• Decorticate rigidity presents with spastic flexion of the upper extremities.
• Decerebrate rigidity is related to damage to the brainstem.
• Decerebrate rigidity presents with spastic extension of the upper extremities.