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Warning-sign checks

Decorticate posture: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Treat any new decorticate-like posture as an emergency.

    Call your local emergency number now, particularly if the person is unconscious, difficult to wake, breathing abnormally, having a seizure, or has recently injured their head.

    Follow instructions from the emergency call handler

    Routine follow-up becomes appropriate after emergency care, when the healthcare team may arrange neurological review, rehabilitation, or monitoring for recurrence.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    This is not a symptom to monitor at home or save for a routine appointment.

The article also says

While waiting for help:

Check whether the person is breathing normally

Begin CPR if they are not breathing normally and you are able

Keep the area around them clear to prevent injury

Note when the posture or change in awareness began

Do not force the arms or legs straight.

Do not restrain the person, place anything in their mouth, or give food, drink, or medicine.

If a fall or head injury may have occurred, avoid moving them unless there is immediate danger or movement is needed for CPR.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Decorticate posture. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.