In some situations, another medical condition, such asseizure, could appear similar to decorticate posturing.
An accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are important.
This article describes decorticate posturing, its causes, treatments, and outcomes.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
When neurons are damaged, reflexes may take over due to an imbalance of activation and inhibition.
This is what is happening with decorticate posturing.
Is It Permanent?
When diagnosed, decorticate posturing can be a sign of permanent brain damage.
However, some treatable situations can cause an appearance similar to decorticate posturing.
In rare instances, treatable medical conditions may cause decorticate posturing.
In these situations, treatment of the underlying condition can prevent permanent brain damage.
Both of these are signs of severe, life-threatening brain injuries with a very low chance of survival.
In some cases, treatment of the underlying condition can be started even after decorticate posturing develops.
Treatment and Prevention
Preventative treatment includes medication to reduce swelling and excess fluid in the brain.
These treatments include steroid medication or diuretics (water pills).
Treatment for decorticate posturing that has already developed is similar to preventative therapies.
However, in many instances, decorticate posturing indicates a very low chance of survival.
Such treatments might be harmful or would not be beneficial at a late stage after this posturing develops.
Additionally, sometimes decorticate posturing can develop suddenly without any opportunity to prevent it.
Sometimes, diagnostic studies are done to help visualize and define the brain damage.
Brain imaging testscan identify changes in the brain that could cause decorticate posturing.
Anelectroencephalogram(EEG) is a brain wave test that may be used to assess brain activity.
This test can often differentiate between severe brain damage and a seizure.
Prognosis With Decorticate Posturing
Decorticate posturing is associated with a very bad prognosis.
The likelihood of survival is considered low when someone has developed decorticate posturing.
In rare circumstances, certain treatable medical conditions can cause signs that appear similar to decorticate posture.
The medical history, risk factors, and diagnostic testing can differentiate such conditions.
Seizures can be treated, and they are not usually life-threatening.
This physical sign is associated with a very low chance of survival.
Other conditions may sometimes cause an appearance similar to decorticate posturemedications, seizures, and psychiatric reactions.
doi:10.1542/peds.2015-3779
Waxman SG, Sabin TD.What to do for the patient in a coma.Modern Medicine of South Africa.
1976;1(1).
