EMed

Glasgow Coma Score (GCS)

Glasgow Coma Score (ADULTS)

Score

Motor

Verbal

Eye opening

6

 Obeys commands    

5

 Localises to pain Conversation  

4

 Withdrawal from pain Sentences Spontaneous

3

 Abnormal flexion to pain Words To voice

2

 Extension to pain Sounds To pain

1

 None None None

Notes

  • 1974
  • One objective measurement of a patient’s level of consciousness
  • 3 variables: Eye opening, Verbal response and motor response
  • Remember if assessing response to pain, stimulus should be in the midline above the clavicles
  • Minimum score is 3
  • Coma is 8 or less
  • "Moderate" injury score is 9-12
  • Abbreviated to AVPU (NB, P=coma)

Consider 5% NaCl

  • In all obtunded trauma patients with lateralising sign (e.g. blown pupil)

Content by Dr Íomhar O' Sullivan 11/02/2011. Last rev12/04/23.