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What characterizes decerebrate posturing?

Hyperextension of the neck and stiff, extended extremities

Decerebrate posturing is characterized by hyperextension of the neck and stiff, extended extremities. This type of posturing occurs due to a brain injury affecting the brainstem and is often indicative of significant neurological compromise. In decerebrate posturing, the arms are extended straight out and rotated internally, while the legs may also be extended. This posture reflects a loss of voluntary control and represents a severe level of brain dysfunction, typically resulting from damage to pathways in the brain that control motor function. Recognizing this posture is critical in assessing a patient's neurological status, as it may suggest a more grave condition compared to other postures like decorticate posturing, where the arms are flexed.

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Hyperflexion of the neck and flexed extremities

Hyperextension of the neck and clenched extremities

Hyperflexion of the neck and extension of the upper extremities

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