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Related Experiment Videos

Decerebrate rigidity in humans

R A Davis, L Davis

    Neurosurgery
    |May 1, 1982
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Decerebrate rigidity (DR) is a severe condition caused by midbrain lesions, characterized by exaggerated extensor posture. It significantly increases mortality in head-injured patients and impacts prognosis assessment.

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    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Neuroscience
    • Trauma Research

    Background:

    • Decerebrate rigidity (DR) in humans stems from midbrain lesions, causing an exaggerated extensor posture.
    • It involves specific reflex reactions and is distinct from other forms of extensor spasms.
    • Trauma is the most frequent cause of DR, with significant implications for head-injured patients.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To clarify the clinical definition and diagnostic criteria for decerebrate rigidity.
    • To differentiate DR from other conditions causing extensor posturing.
    • To highlight the prognostic significance of DR in traumatic brain injury.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of clinical observations and historical neurological findings (Sherrington).
    • Analysis of the pathophysiology of DR, including reflex modifications.

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  • Examination of incidence, mortality rates, and prognostic factors in head-injured patients.

    • Main Results:

    • DR is defined by specific shortening/lengthening reactions, not just extensor posture.
    • DR occurs in up to 40% of head-injured patients, with an 80% mortality rate.
    • The presence of DR significantly worsens prognosis, independent of surgical intervention for intracranial lesions.

    Conclusions:

    • Clinical diagnosis of DR should incorporate reflex criteria, not solely extensor posture.
    • Decerebrate rigidity is a critical indicator of poor prognosis in severe head trauma.
    • While the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assesses outcome, DR's role in motor response warrants significant prognostic consideration.