Question: What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
Answer:
A simple reproducible scoring system used in trauma patients to define the level of coma. It is useful for standardizing assessments among multiple observers and for monitoring changes in the degree of coma. The score is determined by eliciting the best response obtained from the patient in three categories. It is not sensitive enough to detect subtle alterations of consciousness in the noncomatose patient.
Glasgow Coma Scale
Observation Points Eye Opening Spontaneous To verbal command
To pain
No response
4 3
2
1
Best verbal response Oriented/ converses Confused conversation
Inappropriate words
Incomprehensible sounds
No response
5 4
3
2
1
Best motor response Obeys Localizes pain
Flexion withdrawal
Decorticate posture
Decerebrate posture
No response
6 5
4
3
2
1
Total points 3-15
