Decorticate Rigidity
Decorticate Rigidity
Decorticate rigidity is a posture observed in comatose patients in which there is adduction of the shoulders and arms, and flexion of the elbows and wrists (= flexor posturing). The lesion responsible for decorticate rigidity is higher in the neuraxis than that causing decerebrate rigidity, often being diffuse cerebral hemisphere or diencephalic disease, although, despite the name, it may occur with upper brainstem lesions. Common causes are anoxia/ischemia, trauma, and drugs.
Cross References
