Glasgow Coma Scale

What three categories make up the Glasgow Coma Scale?

• Eye opening

• Motor response

• Verbal response

• Total score = 3–15

How is eye opening scored on the GCS?

• 4 → spontaneous

• 3 → to speech

• 2 → to pain

• 1 → none

How is motor response scored on the GCS?

• 6 → obeys commands

• 5 → localizes pain

• 4 → withdraws

• 3 → abnormal flexion

• 2 → extensor response

• 1 → none

How is verbal response scored on the GCS?

• 5 → oriented

• 4 → confused conversation

• 3 → inappropriate words

• 2 → incomprehensible sounds

• 1 → none

How are GCS scores interpreted?

• ≤8

  • Severe brain injury/coma

• 9–12

  • Moderate brain injury

• 13–15

  • Mild brain injury

What is the easiest way to remember the maximum GCS scores?

• Eyes = 4

• Verbal = 5

• Motor = 6

• Total = 15

Mnemonic:

E4 V5 M6