DECEREBRATE REFLEX - Spontaneous extension of elbows, wrists, and legs which suggests damage to the diencephalon (midbrain). Seen in cases of stroke and some cases of encephalitis. The decerebrate reflex is a clinical finding characterized by rigid contraction of the extensor and other muscles which maintain an animal in the standing position (antigravity muscles); may be seen in association with a severe stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral toxin, or transection of the brain below the level of the anterior corpora quadrigemina but above the vestibular nuclei; clinically may be preceded by decortication.