In this article, we will discuss the Glasgow Coma Scale. So, let’s get started.
Glasgow Coma Scale
Systemic assessment of the unconsciousness patient is an important part of neurological examination. An application of Glasgow Coma Scale not only provides a grading of coma by numerical scale but allows serial comparisons to be made for prognostic information particularly in traumatic coma. This scale should be applied in each and every patient under observation and should be charted out from time to time for comparison.
Glasgow Coma Scale
Scale – Score
Eye opening (E)
- Spontaneous – 4
- To loud voice – 3
- To pain – 2
- Nil – 1
Best motor response (M)
- Obeys – 6
- Localises – 5
- Withdrawal (flexion) – 4
- Abnormal flexion – 3
- Extensor response – 2
- Nil – 1
Verbal response (V)
- Oriented – 5
- Confused, disoriented – 4
- Inappropriate words – 3
- Incomprehensible sounds – 2
- Nil – 1
Coma Score (E+M+V)
- Minimum – 3
- Maximum – 15
Note: Patients with head trauma scoring 3 or 4 have an 85% chance of death or vegetative state; while scores above 11 indicate only 5-10% chance of death or vegetative state and 85% chance of moderate disability or good recovery. Intermediate scores have intermediate prognosis.