COMA-DECEREBRATE POSTURING

SUMMARY

1. Decerebrate posturing is a type of rigidity that occurs when the tonic labyrinthine reflex that resists gravitational force acts without modulation of the higher brain, causing extension of all extremities.

2. It indicates an effective severing of the brain from the spinal cord at the level of the red nucleus, seen during uncal (transtentorial) or tonsillar herniation.

3. It is also seen in midbrain compression, cerebellar or other posterior fossa lesions, and severe metabolic insults. It may occasionally be seen in cerebral white matter disease and basal ganglia lesions.

4 Decerebrate posturing is not seen much because it occurs in less common situations and is rapidly followed by death.



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Reference(s)

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