Glascow Coma Scale – Pediatric (pGCS)

For use in children age <2. If Child over 2 years old, standard GCS has been shown to be slightly superior. (Standard GCS page)

Eye

• 4pt – Open spontaneously
• 3pt – Open to verbal stimuli
• 2pt – Open to pain only
• 1pt – No response

Verbal

• 5pt – Coos, babbles
• 4pt – Irritable cries
• 3pt – Cries in response to pain
• 2pt – Moans in response to pain
• 1pt – No response

Motor

• 6pt – Moves spontaneously / purposefully
• 5pt – Withdraws to touch
• 4pt – Withdraws to pain
• 3pt – Flexor posturing to pain
• 2pt – Extensor posturing to pain
• 1pt – No response

Most useful when stated as individual scores and total:  E4,V5,M6= 15

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Head Injury Classification:

• ≥13 – minor head injury.
• 9-12 – moderate head injury.
• ≤8 – severe head injury.

References:

1. Teasdale G, Jennett B. Assessment of coma and impaired consciousness. A practical scale. Lancet. 1974;2(7872):81-4. (Original development) PubMed
2. James HE. Neurologic evaluation and support in the child with an acute brain insult. Pediatr Ann. 1986;15(1):16-22. (Original development) PubMed
3. Borgialli DA, Mahajan P, Hoyle JD, et al. Performance of the Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale Score in the Evaluation of Children With Blunt Head Trauma. Acad Emerg Med. 2016;23(8):878-84. (Validation study) PubMed

Last Updated on January 25, 2023