Neurology In Critical Care
Glasgow Coma Scale
Eyes Open Spontaneously To verbal command
To pain
No response
4 3
2
1
The GCS is scored between 3 and 15, 3 being the worst
score, and 15 the best. It is composed of three parts:
Best Eye Response, Best Verbal Response, Best Motor
Response, as shown.When doing a neuro assessment it is important to watch
for trends indicating a decreasing LOC.Best Verbal Response Oriented and converses Disoriented and converses
Inappropriate words
Incomprehensible sounds
No response
5 4
3
2
1
Keep in mind that when patients have ingested alcohol,
mind altering drugs, have hypoglycemia or shock with
a systolic BP <80, the GCS may be invalid.Best Motor Response Obeys Localizes pain
Withdraws from pain
Abnormal Flexion
Abnormal Extension
No Response
6 5
4
3
2
1
Important note, charting 'GCS 9' means nothing, it is
important to break the figure down into its components,
such as E3V3M3 = GCS 9.A Coma Score of 13 or higher indicates a possible mild
brain injury, 9 to 12 is a moderate injury and 8 or less
a severe brain injury.7 or less = Coma Total ___/ 15