A patient with head injury presents with extended feet and arms. What does this indicate?

When observing a patient with a head injury who presents with extended feet and arms, this is indicative of a brainstem injury. This presentation aligns with the neurological concept of decerebrate posturing, which typically occurs due to damage to the brainstem. In this state, the patient exhibits extension in the arms and legs alongside rigid posturing. This reaction often signifies severe injury or impairment to the areas of the brain that control motor pathways.

Brainstem injuries can compromise vital functions, leading to diminished overall consciousness and autonomic regulation. The position of the limbs in such cases demonstrates how the brain minimizes motor control, suggesting a serious impact on neurological functioning.

In contrast, spinal cord injury could lead to different motor and sensory responses, and low intracranial pressure typically wouldn't result in these types of postures. Decorticate posturing, which involves flexion of the arms and extension of the legs, is not observed in this scenario either. Thus, the characteristic extended posture of the limbs strongly points to a brainstem injury.