Pathologic Function
decerebrate state
de·cer·e·brate state
Subclass of:
Neurologic Manifestations
Definitions related to decerebrate state:
  • A condition characterized by abnormal posturing of the limbs that is associated with injury to the brainstem. This may occur as a clinical manifestation or induced experimentally in animals. The extensor reflexes are exaggerated leading to rigid extension of the limbs accompanied by hyperreflexia and opisthotonus. This condition is usually caused by lesions which occur in the region of the brainstem that lies between the red nuclei and the vestibular nuclei. In contrast, 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. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p358)
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
  • (decerebrate rigidity) A type of rigidity that is manifested by an exaggerated extensor posture of all extremities.
    Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)
    The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2021
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