The Cardiovascular
ToolsCalculators

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

Level of consciousness from eye, verbal and motor response.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
Eye opening
Verbal response
Motor response
Complete the fields above to see the result.

When to use

  • Grading and tracking impaired consciousness in trauma, stroke and other acute neurological presentations.

Formula

Eye (1–4) + Verbal (1–5) + Motor (6). Range 3–15.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Always record the three components separately — a total alone hides which response is impaired. Report the motor score if the patient is intubated (verbal untestable).

References

  1. Teasdale G, Jennett B. Assessment of coma and impaired consciousness. A practical scale. Lancet. 1974;2(7872):81–4.