Glasgow Coma Scale

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Glasgow Coma Scale

Basic Characteristics

  • Description

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a neurological scale used to record the conscious state of someone. The level of consciousness is assessed using the different criteria which make up the scale.Resulting scores may range from 3 (deep unconsciousness) to 15 (14 on the original scale). The given score is commonly used to assess level of consciousness in victims of head trauma.

There are three elements to the GCS which include examination of the eyes, verbal, and motor skills. Three different tests are administered for each element of the GCS. Scores are administered based on responses to each test. A patient's eyes will be scored on a scale from 1-4. A score of 1 indicates that the patient's eyes do not open, 2 indicates that the patient opens their eyes in response to painful stimuli, 3 indicates that a patient opens their eyes in response to voices, and 4 indicates that the patient opens their eyes spontaneously. A patient's verbal abilities are scored on a scale from 1 to 5. A score of 1 indicates that the patient is making no sounds, 2 indicates that the patient is making incomprehensible sounds, 3 indicates that the patient utters inappropriate words, 4 indicates that the patient is verbally confused or disoriented, and 5 indicates that the patient is able to converse normally. A patient's motor abilities are scored on a scale from 1-6. A score of 1 indicates that the patient makes no movements, a score of 2 indicates that the patient shows extension to painful stimuli, a socre of 3 indicates that the patient shows abnormal flexion to painful stimuli, a score of 4 indicates flexion or withdrawal to painful stimuli, a score of 5 indicates that the patient is able to localize painful stimuli, and a score of 6 indicates that the patient is able to obey commands.

A cumulative score of 8 or below is considered severe. Moderate scores on the GCS are 9-12 and minor GCS scores are above 13. It is important to note that the original scale totaled 14 points, omitting the category of 'abnormal flexion'.

  • History

The GCS was published in 1974 by Graham Teasdale and Bryan J. Jennett. Both Teasdale and Jennett were professors of neurosurgery at the University of Glasgow.

  • References

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  • CNP Level

External Resources

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