Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Calculator
About Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a neurological scale used to assess the level of consciousness in a person following a traumatic brain injury. It is used to gauge the severity of an acute brain injury and to monitor the patient's status over time.
Components:
- Eye Opening Response (1-4 points)
- Verbal Response (1-5 points)
- Motor Response (1-6 points)
Interpretation:
- Severe brain injury: GCS 3-8
- Moderate brain injury: GCS 9-12
- Mild brain injury: GCS 13-15
Limitations:
The GCS has some limitations, including its inability to assess verbal response in intubated patients and potential inconsistencies in inter-rater reliability. It should be used in conjunction with other clinical assessments for a comprehensive evaluation.
References:
- Teasdale G, Jennett B. Assessment of coma and impaired consciousness. A practical scale. Lancet. 1974;2(7872):81-84.
- Teasdale G, Maas A, Lecky F, Manley G, Stocchetti N, Murray G. The Glasgow Coma Scale at 40 years: standing the test of time. Lancet Neurol. 2014;13(8):844-854.