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Decerebrate State MeSH Descriptor Data 2025


MeSH Heading
Decerebrate State
Tree Number(s)
C10.597.305
C23.888.592.298
Unique ID
D003655
RDF Unique Identifier
http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D003655
Annotation
"brain-isolated", "encéphale isolé", "pithed", "spinal" as in "spinal cat", "cerveau isolé" go here
Scope Note
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)
Entry Term(s)
Decerebrate Posturing
Decorticate Rigidity
Decorticate State
Rigidity, Decerebrate
Rigidity, Decorticate
Date Established
1966/01/01
Date of Entry
2024/11/05
Revision Date
2024/11/05
Decerebrate State Preferred
Decorticate State Related
Decorticate Rigidity Related
Decerebrate Posturing Related
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