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Decerebrate posture

Opisthotonos - decerebrate posture; Abnormal posturing - decerebrate posture; Traumatic brain injury - decerebrate posture; Decorticate posture - decerebrate posture

Decerebrate posture is an abnormal body posture that involves the arms and legs being held straight out, the toes being pointed downward, and the head and neck being arched backward. The muscles are tightened and held rigidly. This type of posturing usually means there has been severe damage to the brain.




Decerebrate posture can occur on one side, on both sides, or in just the arms. It may alternate with another type of abnormal posture called decorticate posture. A person can also have decorticate posture on one side of the body and decerebrate posture on the other side.


Causes of decerebrate posture include:

Home Care


When to Contact a Medical Professional


What to Expect at Your Office Visit


Once the person is stable, the provider will obtain a complete medical history from family members or friends and do a more complete physical examination. This will include a careful examination of the brain and nervous system.


Tests may include:


Related Information

Decorticate posture




Jackimczyk KC. Altered mental status and coma. In: Markovchick VJ, Pons PT, Bakes KM, Buchanan JA, eds. Emergency Medicine Secrets. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 13.

Woischneck D, Skalej M, Firsching R, Kapapa T. Decerebrate posturing following traumatic brain injury: MRI findings and their diagnostic value. Clin Radiol. 2015;70(3):278-285. PMID: 25527191


Review Date: 5/28/2019  


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