Which posturing is characterized by abnormal flexion?

• A. Decorticate Posturing
• B. Basilar Skull Fracture
• C. Battle Sign
• D. Raccoon Eyes

Answer: (A)

Abnormal flexion posturing, known as decorticate posturing, signals severe injury to the brain above the level of the red nucleus. In this pattern the upper limbs flex at the elbows with the wrists and fingers flexed and the arms adducted, often with internal rotation, while the legs are extended. This contrasts with decerebrate posturing, where the limbs extend and rigidly brace outward, indicating a worse brainstem involvement. The other options describe signs of a skull-base fracture (basilar skull fracture, Battle sign, and periorbital bruising known as raccoon eyes) rather than a posture, so they don’t reflect abnormal flexion posturing.