Opisthotonos may accompany decerebrate posture in severe cases. Usually, decerebrate posture indicates deterioration of the structures of the nervous system, particularly deterioration of the upper brain stem. Decerebrate posture occurs in many patterns.
Conditions associated with decerebrate posture require immediate hospital treatment.
Anyone exhibiting an abnormal posture should be examined promptly by the health care provider. In some conditions such as prolonged coma , these behaviors can persist for an extended period of time. The person will likely be hospitalized and in intensive care. Once the person is stabilized, the medical history will be obtained from family members and a physical examination will be performed. The physical examination will include a complete neurological assessment.