Decerebrate posturing, similar to decorticate posturing, is an ominous physical sign of severe brain injury.
In this condition the arms are adducted (close to the body) and extended with the fingers in flexion and the wrists pronated. The legs are typically extended with the feet in plantar flexion (toes pointed.) The eye examination typically reveals that the pupils are fixed and dilated bilaterally.
Decerebrate posturing (top) with extended arms and pronated wrists as contrasted with decorticate posturing.
This condition can result from an injury to the upper brain stem and is associated with central herniation.
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