Information

The Glasgow Coma Scale provides a framework for describing the state of a patient in terms of three aspects of responsiveness: eye opening, verbal response, and best motor response, each stratified according to increasing impairment.

The Glasgow Coma Score is an artificial index; obtained by adding scores for the three responses. The notation for the score was derived from the extended scale, incorporating the distinction between normal and abnormal flexion movements, producing a total score of 15. The score ranges from 3 to 15. This score can provide a useful single figure summary and a basis for systems of classification, but contains less information than a description separately of the three responses.

The three responses of the original (1974) scale, not the total score, should therefore, be of use in describing, monitoring and exchanging information about individual patients.

The Glasgow Coma Scale and Score

Feature	Responses	Score
Eye opening	Spontaneously	4
	To speech	3
	To pain	2
	None	1
Verbal Response	Oriented	5
	Confused conversation	4
	Inappropriate words	3
	Incomprehensible sounds	2
	None	1
Best Motor Response	Obeys commands	6
	Localizes pain	5
	Withdrawal to pain	4
	Flexion (abnormal) to pain	3
	Extension to pain	2
	None	1

Level of impaired consciousness	GCS
Mild	13-15
Moderate	9-12
Severe	3-8
Coma	<8

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.

Teasdale G. et al. Adding up the Glasgow Coma Score. Acta Neurochir. Suppl. 1979; 28:13-6.

Disclaimer

The calculators provided are not meant to be a substitute for professional advise and are not to be used for medical diagnosis. All calculations must be confirmed before clinical use or diagnostic purposes by qualified medical professionals. The authors make no claims of the accuracy of the information contained herein. The authors make no claims whatsoever, expressed or implied, about the authenticity, accuracy, reliability, completeness or timeliness of the material, software, text, graphics and links given. In no event shall the authors, its suppliers, affiliates or any third parties be liable in any manner whatsoever for any damage arising upon use of any information provided.