What does the word decorticate mean in this passage from Robinson's Blue Mars?

Answer 1

Decorticate is a word for posturing related to brain damage, specifically damage to the cortex. Decorticate posture is an abnormal posturing in which a person is stiff with bent arms, clenched fists, and legs held out straight. The arms are bent in toward the body and the wrists and fingers are bent and held on the chest. This posture is a sign of severe brain damage and requires immediate medical assistance.