In the adult Motor Response scoring, which description corresponds to decorticate (abnormal flexion) in response to painful stimulus?

• A. Decorticate (abnormal flexion) response to painful stimulus
• B. Decerebrate (abnormal extension) response to painful stimulus
• C. Withdraws from painful stimulus
• D. Follows simple commands

Answer: (A)

The motor response component of the Glasgow Coma Scale uses a specific pattern for abnormal flexion called decorticate posturing, which corresponds to a motor score of 3. In this pattern, the patient’s upper limbs flex tightly at the elbows with internal rotation of the shoulders, wrists flexed, and fists clenched, while the legs may extend. This indicates severe injury above the brainstem, involving the corticospinal pathways in the cerebral hemispheres or diencephalon. Among the options, the one that describes decorticate (abnormal flexion) in response to painful stimulus is the best match because it directly names this specific abnormal flexion pattern. Other responses describe different motor outcomes: decerebrate posture is abnormal extension, withdrawal is a purposeful, less-graded movement, and following commands shows intact motor function rather than an abnormal posturing response.