Decerebrate posturing

Classically attributed to disinhibition of vestibulospinal tract (more caudal) and pontine reticular formation (RF) by removing inhibition of medullary RF (transection at intercollicular level, between vestibular and red nuclei).

Overview: abnormal extension in UE and LE.

Detail:

● Head & trunk: opisthotonos (head and trunk extended), teeth clenched

● UE: arms extended, adducted and hyperpronated (internally rotated), wrists flexed, fingers flexed

● LE: extended and internally rotated, feet plantarflexed and inverted, toes plantarflexed.