Decorticate posture corresponds to which motor score?

• A. Obeys commands
• B. Localizes pain
• C. Extension (Decerebrate)
• D. Flexion (Decorticate)

Answer: (D)

In the Glasgow Coma Scale, the motor component assigns a score from six down to one based on the best motor response. Abnormal flexion of the arms with adduction and internal rotation, often with wrists flexed (the decorticate posture), is assigned a motor score of three. This posture represents a purposeful but abnormal response to stimulation and indicates significant dysfunction above the brainstem, typically affecting corticospinal pathways.

For reference, a normal or purposeful response (obeying commands) is the highest score, while other responses range from localizing pain or withdrawing to pain, down to abnormal extension (decerebrate) and no movement at all. Decorticate flexion differs from decerebrate extension, which corresponds to a lower score and generally indicates more severe brain injury.