The Cardiovascular
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Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

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.