Which of the following denotes the most serious prognosis?
a. Decorticate posturing
b. Decerebrate posturing
c. Absence of Babinski reflex
d. GCS score of 14
B
Outcome studies indicate that abnormal flexion or decorticate posturing has a less serious prognosis than does extension, or decerebrate posturing. Onset of posturing or a change from abnormal flexion to abnormal extension requires immediate physician notification. The Babinski reflex is a pathologic finding; absence of this reflex is a normal neurologic finding in adults. The range of scores for the Glasgow Coma Scale is 3 to 15 . A score of 14 denotes a minimal deficit.
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