Glasgow Coma Scale

How to use it

1. 1

   Eye (1–4). Spontaneous=4, voice=3, pain=2, nil=1. If orbits swollen use 'C'.

2. 2

   Verbal (1–5). Oriented=5, confused=4, words=3, sounds=2, nil=1. Intubated use 'T'.

3. 3

   Motor (1–6). Obeys=6, localises=5, withdraws=4, flexes=3, extends=2, nil=1. Best limb.

When to use it

Trauma, stroke, overdose

GCS ≤8 = severe TBI; intubation strongly considered.

Serial monitoring

Document component scores (E/V/M) not just total — early drop predicts deterioration.

Paediatric

Modify verbal scale for preverbal children (Paediatric GCS).