Decerebrate posturing is characterized by which description?

• A. Flexed arms and clenched fists
• B. No movement
• C. Head turned to the side
• D. Arms extended outward with toes pointed downward

Answer: (D)

Decerebrate posturing is a sign of severe brainstem involvement with loss of cortical control over brainstem motor pathways. The pattern shows widespread extensor tone, so the arms extend away from the body and the legs extend as well. Describing arms extended outward with toes pointed downward fits this extensor presentation: the limbs are held straight, often with feet in plantarflexion. This contrasts with decorticate posturing, where the arms are flexed and adducted. So, the description of arms extended outward and toes pointed downward best captures decerebrate posturing. This posture generally indicates a poorer prognosis due to deeper, brainstem-level disruption.