For children < 2 years old, see the pediatric GCS.
Eyes
- 4pt – Open spontaneously
- 3pt – Open to voice
- 2pt – Open to pain
- 1pt – No eye opening
Verbal
- 5pt – Oriented, normal conversation
- 4pt – Confused, disoriented
- 3pt – Incoherent words
- 2pt – Incomprehensible sounds
- 1pt – No sounds
Motor
- 6pt – Obeys command
- 5pt – Localizes pain
- 4pt – Withdrawal / flexion to pain
- 3pt – Flexion to pain (decorticate)
- 2pt – Extension to pain (decerebrate)
- 1pt – No movement
Most useful when stated as individual scores and total: E4,V5,M6= 15
Head Injury Classification :
- Minor >13
- Moderate 9-12
- Severe <8
Threshold to consider intubation for airway protection (ATLS) = 8Intubated patients are given a “t” for verbal, denoted as “GCS 3t”Use pediatric GCS for patients <2 years old. (pGCS)
References:
- CDC Mass Trauma Resources Download PDF
- The Glascow Structured Approach to Assessment of the Glascow Coma Scale Link
Last Updated on January 25, 2023
