On the motor response scale, a score of 3 indicates which response?

• A. Withdraws (flinches)
• B. Obeys commands
• C. Localizes pain (goes after it)
• D. Flexion (Decorticate)

Answer: (D)

In the motor portion of the Glasgow Coma Scale, the score in this range reflects the patient’s best possible movement in response to a painful stimulus. A score of three represents abnormal flexion in response to pain, known as decorticate posturing. This looks like the arms pulling in with elbows flexed and wrists and fingers flexed toward the body, often with the legs extended. It indicates a significant level of brain injury and dysfunction of the corticospinal pathways. It’s more severe than simply withdrawing from pain or localizing it, but not as severe as extension in response to pain (decerebrate posturing).