Decorticate rigidity

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In neurological physical examination, decorticate rigidity is "characterized by flexion of the elbows and wrists with extension of the legs and feet. The causative lesion for this condition is located above the red nuclei and usually consists of diffuse cerebral damage."[1][2]

Section through the midbrain showing the red nucleus (#7).

Decorticate rigidity reduced the motor score of the Glasgow Coma Scale to 3 points.

Decerebrate rigidity is similar except the upper extremities are extended, the lesion is below the red nucleus, and the motor score of the Glasgow Coma Scale to 2 points.

References

  1. Anonymous (2024), Decorticate rigidity (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  2. Ropper, Allan H.; Adams, Raymond Delacy; Victor, Maurice (1997). Principles of Neurology (in English), 6th. New York: McGraw-Hill, Health Professions Division, 358. ISBN 0-07-067439-6.