Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
Assess the level of consciousness after traumatic brain injury
Clinical Interpretation
Severe (GCS ≤ 8), Moderate (GCS 9-12), Minor (GCS ≥ 13). Intubation is generally recommended for GCS ≤ 8.
Mathematical Metric
Evidence & Lit
References: Teasdale G, Jennett B. Assessment of coma and impaired consciousness.
Teasdale & Jennett, Lancet 1974 (PMID: 4136544) →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a standardized neurological assessment tool that measures level of consciousness by scoring three components: Eye Opening (E, 1-4), Verbal Response (V, 1-5), and Motor Response (M, 1-6). Total score ranges from 3 to 15.
What GCS score indicates severe brain injury?
A GCS score of 8 or below indicates severe brain injury. A score of 9-12 indicates moderate injury, and 13-15 indicates mild injury. Patients with GCS ≤ 8 are generally considered for intubation to protect the airway.
Who developed the Glasgow Coma Scale?
The GCS was developed by Teasdale and Jennett in 1974 at the University of Glasgow, published in The Lancet. It has since become the global standard for consciousness assessment after traumatic brain injury.
Can GCS be used in children?
The standard GCS is validated for adults and older children. For infants and young children, a modified Pediatric GCS is preferred, which adapts verbal and motor components to age-appropriate responses.