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Abnormal Posturing (Decerebrate and Decorticate)

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Abnormal posturing is used to describe an involuntary, abnormal body posture that occurs in response to a noxious stimulus. In most cases, abnormal posturing is caused by severe trauma to the central nervous system. There are two types of abnormal posturing: decerebrate and decorticate.

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Abnormal posturing is used to describe an involuntary, abnormal body posture that occurs in response to a noxious (pain-causing) stimulus. In most cases, abnormal posturing is caused by severe trauma to the central nervous system. Abnormal posturing is a medical emergency indicative of very serious injury, and the patient will likely be unconscious. Most patients displaying abnormal posturing will need to be ventilated and admitted to the intensive care unit.

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Ausmed’s editorial team is committed to providing high-quality, well-researched and reputable education to our users, free of any commercial bias or conflict of interest. All education produced by Ausmed is developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and undergoes a regular rigorous review process to ensure the relevancy of all healthcare information and updates to changes in practice. If you have identified an issue with the education offered by Ausmed or wish to submit feedback to Ausmed's editorial team, please email ausmed@ausmed.com.au with your concerns.
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Portrait of Kate Kilpatrick
Kate Kilpatrick
21 Feb 2022
Great
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Clare Thompson
16 Mar 2022
Registered Nurse
Really excellent as a knowledge refresher
Portrait of Tracey Markham
Tracey Markham
25 Feb 2022
Easy read, great information
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Jodie Comfort
18 Mar 2022
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Thi HA
24 Feb 2022
Amazing
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Debra Curran
26 Feb 2022
Very clear and descriptive presentation
MS
Manveer Shergill
01 Apr 2022
clear , consize but very important information
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Maggie Sullivan
20 Apr 2022
Interesting
EB
Elfrida Beer
26 Mar 2022
Very informative
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Evan Baker
25 Mar 2022
Paramedic
I really enjoyed this article! Anyone who has ever managed (or will manage) a patient with significant brain injury will benefit from having this knowledge behind them. It's short but informative.
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