A 51-year-old male is admitted to the neuro critical care unit with a severe closed head injury. All four extremities are in rigid extension, his forearm is hyperpronated, and his legs are in plantar extension. This condition is known as:
A) decorticate posturing.
B) decerebrate posturing.
C) caloric posturing.
D) excitation posturing.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The described posture is consistent with decerebrate posturing, which is seen in severe brainstem injury. Decorticate posturing involves flexion at the elbows and wrists, whereas caloric posturing and excitation posturing are not commonly used terms in the clinical setting.

A 51-Year-Old Male Is Admitted to the Neuro Critical Care