Decerebrate posture

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Conditions associated with decerebrate posture require immediate hospital treatment.

Abnormal posturing of any sort is usually associated with reduced level of consciousness (alertness). Anyone who has an abnormal posture should be examined promptly by a health care provider.

Emergency measures may begin immediately. This includes breathing assistance and placement of a breathing tube. The person will likely be admitted to the hospital and placed in intensive care.

Once the person is stabilized, the health care provider will perform a more extensive physical exam. The physical exam will include a complete neurological assessment.

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Family members will be asked questions about the person's medical history, including:

• When did this behavior start?
• Is there a pattern to the occurrences?
• Is it always the same type of posture?
• Is there any significant medical history (such as a known head injury)?
• What other symptoms preceded or accompanied the abnormal posturing?

Diagnostic testing may include:

• Blood tests to check blood counts, measure body chemicals and minerals, and to screen for drugs and toxic substances
• Cerebral angiography
• CT or MRI of the head
• EEG
• ICP monitoring

The outlook depends on the cause. Permanent brain damage may often result, leading to long-term neurologic deficits such as coma, inability to communicate, paralysis, or seizures.

Review Date: 04/21/2009
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).