Which motor response score corresponds to abnormal flexion (decorticate posturing) on the Glasgow Coma Scale?

• A. 4
• B. 5
• C. 3
• D. 2

Answer: (C)

The motor component of the Glasgow Coma Scale uses a six‑level scale to rate how a patient moves in response to stimuli. Abnormal flexion, known as decorticate posturing, corresponds to the third level on this scale. In decorticate posturing the arms are flexed and drawn toward the body with adduction and internal rotation, often with the wrists and fingers flexed, and the legs may extend or internally rotate. This is distinct from normal withdrawal from pain (a higher level) and from abnormal extension (the lower level). Because this posturing reflects a significant impairment of motor function but not the most severe nonresponse, it sits at the third level. So the motor response score associated with abnormal flexion is the third level (a motor score of three).