Abnormal posturing: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Abnormal posturing | |||
| image = [[File:Decorticate.PNG|250px]] | |||
| alt = | |||
| caption = Decorticate posturing | |||
| field = [[Neurology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Decorticate posturing]], [[decerebrate posturing]] | |||
| complications = Increased [[intracranial pressure]], [[brain herniation]] | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = | |||
| causes = [[Traumatic brain injury]], [[stroke]], [[intracranial hemorrhage]], [[brain tumor]], [[encephalopathy]] | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = [[Neurological examination]], [[imaging studies]] | |||
| differential = | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = Address underlying cause, [[supportive care]] | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = Varies depending on cause and severity | |||
| frequency = | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|Abnormal body postures due to severe brain injury}} | {{Short description|Abnormal body postures due to severe brain injury}} | ||
'''Abnormal posturing''' refers to involuntary flexion or extension of the arms and legs, indicating severe brain injury. It is often observed in patients with conditions such as [[traumatic brain injury]], [[stroke]], or [[intracranial hemorrhage]]. Abnormal posturing is a critical sign in the [[Glasgow Coma Scale]] and can help in assessing the severity of brain damage. | '''Abnormal posturing''' refers to involuntary flexion or extension of the arms and legs, indicating severe brain injury. It is often observed in patients with conditions such as [[traumatic brain injury]], [[stroke]], or [[intracranial hemorrhage]]. Abnormal posturing is a critical sign in the [[Glasgow Coma Scale]] and can help in assessing the severity of brain damage. | ||
==Types of Abnormal Posturing== | ==Types of Abnormal Posturing== | ||
Abnormal posturing is generally categorized into two main types: [[decorticate posturing]] and [[decerebrate posturing]]. | Abnormal posturing is generally categorized into two main types: [[decorticate posturing]] and [[decerebrate posturing]]. | ||
===Decorticate Posturing=== | ===Decorticate Posturing=== | ||
Decorticate posturing, also known as flexor posturing, is characterized by: | Decorticate posturing, also known as flexor posturing, is characterized by: | ||
* Flexion of the arms at the elbows | * Flexion of the arms at the elbows | ||
* Adduction of the arms | * Adduction of the arms | ||
* Extension and internal rotation of the legs | * Extension and internal rotation of the legs | ||
This type of posturing indicates damage to the [[corticospinal tract]] above the level of the [[red nucleus]], typically involving the [[cerebral hemispheres]], [[internal capsule]], or [[thalamus]]. | This type of posturing indicates damage to the [[corticospinal tract]] above the level of the [[red nucleus]], typically involving the [[cerebral hemispheres]], [[internal capsule]], or [[thalamus]]. | ||
===Decerebrate Posturing=== | ===Decerebrate Posturing=== | ||
Decerebrate posturing, also known as extensor posturing, is characterized by: | Decerebrate posturing, also known as extensor posturing, is characterized by: | ||
* Extension of the arms and legs | * Extension of the arms and legs | ||
* Pronation of the arms | * Pronation of the arms | ||
* Plantar flexion of the feet | * Plantar flexion of the feet | ||
This type of posturing suggests damage to the brainstem, specifically below the level of the red nucleus, affecting the [[midbrain]] or [[pons]]. | This type of posturing suggests damage to the brainstem, specifically below the level of the red nucleus, affecting the [[midbrain]] or [[pons]]. | ||
==Clinical Significance== | ==Clinical Significance== | ||
Abnormal posturing is a significant clinical sign that indicates severe brain injury. It is often used in conjunction with other clinical assessments to determine the level of [[consciousness]] and the extent of brain damage. The presence of decorticate or decerebrate posturing can influence the [[prognosis]] and management of patients with severe brain injuries. | Abnormal posturing is a significant clinical sign that indicates severe brain injury. It is often used in conjunction with other clinical assessments to determine the level of [[consciousness]] and the extent of brain damage. The presence of decorticate or decerebrate posturing can influence the [[prognosis]] and management of patients with severe brain injuries. | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
The management of patients exhibiting abnormal posturing involves addressing the underlying cause of the brain injury. This may include: | The management of patients exhibiting abnormal posturing involves addressing the underlying cause of the brain injury. This may include: | ||
| Line 34: | Line 45: | ||
* [[Medical management]] to control [[cerebral edema]] | * [[Medical management]] to control [[cerebral edema]] | ||
* Supportive care in an [[intensive care unit]] | * Supportive care in an [[intensive care unit]] | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Glasgow Coma Scale]] | * [[Glasgow Coma Scale]] | ||
* [[Traumatic brain injury]] | * [[Traumatic brain injury]] | ||
* [[Intracranial hemorrhage]] | * [[Intracranial hemorrhage]] | ||
* [[Cerebral edema]] | * [[Cerebral edema]] | ||
[[Category:Neurology]] | [[Category:Neurology]] | ||
[[Category:Medical signs]] | [[Category:Medical signs]] | ||
Latest revision as of 22:06, 5 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Abnormal posturing | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Decorticate posturing, decerebrate posturing |
| Complications | Increased intracranial pressure, brain herniation |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | |
| Causes | Traumatic brain injury, stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, brain tumor, encephalopathy |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Neurological examination, imaging studies |
| Differential diagnosis | |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Address underlying cause, supportive care |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Varies depending on cause and severity |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
Abnormal body postures due to severe brain injury
Abnormal posturing refers to involuntary flexion or extension of the arms and legs, indicating severe brain injury. It is often observed in patients with conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or intracranial hemorrhage. Abnormal posturing is a critical sign in the Glasgow Coma Scale and can help in assessing the severity of brain damage.
Types of Abnormal Posturing[edit]
Abnormal posturing is generally categorized into two main types: decorticate posturing and decerebrate posturing.
Decorticate Posturing[edit]
Decorticate posturing, also known as flexor posturing, is characterized by:
- Flexion of the arms at the elbows
- Adduction of the arms
- Extension and internal rotation of the legs
This type of posturing indicates damage to the corticospinal tract above the level of the red nucleus, typically involving the cerebral hemispheres, internal capsule, or thalamus.
Decerebrate Posturing[edit]
Decerebrate posturing, also known as extensor posturing, is characterized by:
- Extension of the arms and legs
- Pronation of the arms
- Plantar flexion of the feet
This type of posturing suggests damage to the brainstem, specifically below the level of the red nucleus, affecting the midbrain or pons.
Clinical Significance[edit]
Abnormal posturing is a significant clinical sign that indicates severe brain injury. It is often used in conjunction with other clinical assessments to determine the level of consciousness and the extent of brain damage. The presence of decorticate or decerebrate posturing can influence the prognosis and management of patients with severe brain injuries.
Management[edit]
The management of patients exhibiting abnormal posturing involves addressing the underlying cause of the brain injury. This may include:
- Surgical intervention to relieve intracranial pressure
- Medical management to control cerebral edema
- Supportive care in an intensive care unit
