Which score is assigned to 'decerebrate posturing' in the Glasgow Coma Scale?

In the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the score assigned to 'decerebrate posturing' is 2 points. This scale evaluates a patient's level of consciousness based on three aspects: eye response, verbal response, and motor response.

Decerebrate posturing is characterized by extended arms and legs, indicating severe brain dysfunction due to possible brain injury or pressure on the brainstem. It signifies a more severe level of brain impairment than decorticate posturing, which is associated with a score of 3. In the motor response section of the GCS, a score of 2 reflects the presence of abnormal extension (decerebrate posturing) as a reaction to stimuli, whereas the highest score in this category is given for following commands, which would be a normal response.

Understanding the significance of decerebrate posturing helps in assessing brain injury severity and guiding appropriate medical interventions.