decorticate, decerebate keeping them straight

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Specializes in NICU.

Oops, left out my r in decerebrate. Anyway, do any of you have suggestions on keeping these two decreased motor function symptoms straight? Thanks

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Specializes in OB, lactation.

The other day our teacher said to think of decorticate as the hands going toward the core of the body - it worked for me and I could NOT remember them before that! :)

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Any suggestions on keeping these two decreased motor function symptoms straight? Thanks

Hello, Tiny1Nisolet,:balloons:

I always remembered them this way. If you forget which is flexion and which is extension....

Decorticate with the middle part 'cort' sounded like cord. So I always figured the arms flexed toward the cord. Therefore, "decordicate" was flexion towards the cord.

Decerebrate had to be the other.....extension or away from the cord.

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Specializes in NICU.

So good! Thanks guys! I knew I could count on you. :kiss

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Specializes in Case Management, Home Health, UM.
The other day our teacher said to think of decorticate as the hands going toward the core of the body - it worked for me and I could NOT remember them before that! :)

Our Neuro instructor said the same thing...many years ago. :)

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Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.

I guess I am just silly but....I look at decorticate & see decorate which I love to do.....so if I am in a store my arms are pulling everythin in! :rotfl: But it works for me!

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One step further - Decorticate means you are still protecting your core, which is a GOOD thing, therefore decorticate is the BETTER of the two.

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hello, tiny1nisolet,:balloons:

i always remembered them this way. if you forget which is flexion and which is extension....

decorticate with the middle part 'cort' sounded like cord. so i always figured the arms flexed toward the cord. therefore, "decordicate" was flexion towards the cord.

decerebrate had to be the other.....extension or away from the cord.

siri....i learned the same thing. you sure we didn't have the same teacher??

suebird :p

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The more silly the better to remember. I always remembered decorticate by an arm hug during a “courting” ritual.

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Decorticate- sounds like "courting" which involves hugging, the arms are turned in, as if hugging

Decerebrate- sounds like "celebrate" the arms are turned outwards as if surprised/celebrating.

That's how I was taught to remember it over a decade ago. Have never used this info, but still remember it.

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