Which abnormal posture involves arms and legs held straight, toes pointed downward, and the head and neck arched backwards?

• A. Decorticate posturing
• B. Focal neuro deficit
• C. Decerebrate posturing
• D. DTRs

Answer: (C)

Decerebrate posturing signals brainstem involvement after a severe brain injury. The described position—arms and legs extended, toes pointed downward, head and neck arched backward—shows a generalized extension pattern with the head arched, reflecting unopposed brainstem activity driving extension of all limbs. This is a worse sign than decorticate posturing, which features flexion of the arms toward the body with different limb positioning. DTRs are reflexes, not a fixed posture, and a focal neuro deficit refers to localized impairment rather than this global extension pattern.