Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

Purpose/Background
To assess the depth and duration of coma and impaired consciousness. This scale helps to gauge the impact of a wide variety of conditions such as acute brain damage due to traumatic and/or vascular injuries or infections, metabolic disorders (e.g., hepatic or renal failure, hypoglycemia, diabetic ketosis), etc.
Instructions
Check: For factors Interfering with communication, ability to respond and other injuries.
 
Observe: Eye opening, content of speech and movements of right and left sides.
 
Stimulate:
Sound – spoken or shouted request
Physical – Pressure on finger tip, trapezius or supraorbital notch.
References
Teasdale G, Jennett B. Assessment of coma and impaired consciousness. Lancet 1974; 81-84.
 
Teasdale G, Jennett B. Assessment and prognosis of coma after head injury. Acta Neurochir 1976; 34:45-55.
1. Best eye response





2. Verbal response






3. Motor response







RESULTS
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