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Decorticate posturing

System: Neurological Signs · All neurological signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

In an unconscious patient, a painful stimulus produces arms flexed and pulled in toward the chest with the legs extended stiffly.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with severe brain injury at a level above the midbrain.

Related signs — Neurological Signs

Abdominal reflexesArgyll Robertson pupilBabinski signBattle's signBeevor's signBrisk jaw jerk

Browse the D section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.

Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.