A fencing response is an involuntary physical position that occurs as a result of severe brain injury.

A person can experience a fencing response immediately after head trauma.

Neurological Posturing

A fencing response is a key in of neurological posturing.

An illustration with information about fencing response

Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health

Neurological posturing refers to involuntary physical positions the body takes due to severe brain damage.

When it occurs due tohead trauma, it is often noticeable after a fall.

Other symptoms may include:

A fencing response may not be obvious if there are accompanying symptoms.

What is the difference between a seizure and a fencing response?

A seizure may follow a fencing response but they are different occurrences.

The fencing response itself does not cause these complications.

Many people recover after a concussion, but some may have persistent symptoms for years.

Some people may experience a full recovery, especially if there is no damage to the brain.

Not everyone who has a fencing response will need all of these types of therapies.

The determination will be based on the effects of the brain damage.

Recovery can take months or longer and requires patience.

Sometimes improvement is slow or appears to plateau before recovery resumes.

Considerations include things like returning to play sports, driving, and working.

Safety is essential during the recovery process.

This is an involuntary posture that occurs without awareness or the ability to control it.

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