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Glasgow Coma Scale

A doctor or other medical professional usually determines the severity of a coma by assessing the level of consciousness and neurological functioning by using the Glasgow Coma Scale. This test is often done at the scene of an accident or in the emergency room. This 15-point test measures eye opening, verbal response and motor response to document the level of neurological function.  A description of the GCS is shown below.

A number system used to assess the state of consciousness.  The GCS is scored between 3 and 15, 3 being the worst score, and 15 the best. It is composed of three parts:  Best Eye Response, Best Verbal Response, Best Motor Response, as shown.

Eyes

4   Open Spontaneously
3   To verbal command
2   To pain
1   No response

Best Verbal Response

5   Oriented and converses
4   Disoriented and converses
3   Inappropriate words
2   Incomprehensible sounds
1   No response

Best Motor Response

6   Obeys
5   Localizes pain
4   Withdraws from pain
3   Abnormal Flexion
2   Abnormal Extension
1   No Response

7 or less = Coma Total ___/ 15

Keep in mind that when patients have ingested alcohol, mind altering drugs, have hypoglycemia or shock with a systolic BP <80, the GCS may be invalid.

Important note, charting 'GCS 9' means nothing, it is important to break the figure down into its components, such as E3V3M3 = GCS 9.