Decerebrate posture

Decerebrate posture results from damage to the upper brain stem


MEDICAL CAUSES
  • Brain stem infarction
  • Brain stem tumor
  • Cerebral lesion: the classic triad of increased ICP bradycardia
  • Hepatic encephalopathy: fetor hepaticus, a positive Babinski's reflex, and hyperactive DTRs.
  • Hypoglycemic encephalopathy: low blood glucose levels
  • Hypoxic encephalopathy
  • Pontine hemorrhage
  • Posterior fossa hemorrhage


OTHER CAUSES
Diagnostic tests. Removal of spinal fluid during a lumbar puncture

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Diagnostic tests: skull X-rays, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, cerebral angiography, digital subtraction angiography, EEG, brain scan, and ICP monitoring.
Alert for signs of increased ICP and neurologic deterioration.

PEDIATRIC POINTERS
Children younger than age 2 may occur the more severe opisthotonos. The most common cause of decerebrate posture is head injury.

Nguồn: Professional Guide to Signs and Symptoms.