glasgow coma scale

what 3 signs is the glasgow coma scale based on?

- motor response 1-6

- verbal response 1-5

- eye opening 1-4

what is the maximum GCS score?

15

what is the minimum GCS score?

3

how are GCS scores expressed?

GCS = 13 M5 V4 E4 at 21:30

what is classed as a coma?

GCS ≤ 8

what is classed as a reduced conscious level?

GCS = 9-14

what are the 6 levels of motor response?

6 - obeys commands

5 - localises pain

4 - withdraws from pain

3 - flexion to pain - decorticate

2 - extension to pain - decerebrate

1 - none

what are the 5 levels of verbal response?

5 - orientated

4 - confused

3 - words

2 - sounds

1 - none

what are the 4 levels to eye opening?

4 - spontaneous

3 - to speech

2 - to pain

1 - none

what is the abbreviated GCS?

avpu

what does AVPU stand fro?

a - alert

v - responds to verbal stimuli

p - responds to pain stimuli

u - unresponsive