GCS in Children



Background

  • The GCS is for use in children with traumatic brain injury
  • Consider 5% NaCl in all obtunded trauma patients with lateralising sign (e.g. blown pupil)

< 2 years

Score

Motor

Verbal

Eye opening

6

Normal spontaneous movement    

5

Withdraws to touch Cries appropriately  

4

Withdrawal to pain Irritable crying Spontaneous

3

Abnormal flexio(decorticate) Inappropriate screaming/crying To speech

2

Extension (decrerbrate) Grunts To pain

1

No response No response No response

2 - 5 years

Score

Motor

Verbal

Eye opening

6

Obeys command    

5

Localises pain Appropriate words  

4

Flexion withdrawal Inappropriate words Spontaneous

3

AbN flexion  (decorticate) Screams To speech

2

Extension (decerebrate) Grunts To pain

1

No response No response No response

> 5 years

Score

Motor

Verbal

Eye opening

6

Normal spontaneous movement    

5

Withdraws to touch Orientated  

4

Withdrawal to pain Confused Spontaneous

3

Abnormal flexio(decorticate) Inappropriate To speech

2

Extension (decrerbrate) Incomprehensible To pain

1

No response No response No response


Content by Dr Íomhar O' Sullivan. Last review Dr ÍOS 31/10/22.