FOUR score
Also written as: FOUR — Full Outline of UnResponsiveness
Full Outline of UnResponsiveness score; a coma scale that evaluates eye responses, motor responses, brainstem reflexes, and respiration.
Full Definition
The FOUR score (Full Outline of UnResponsiveness) is a neurological assessment scale developed as an alternative to the Glasgow Coma Scale, particularly useful in intubated patients and those with severe neurological impairment. It evaluates four domains: eye responses (0-4 points), motor responses (0-4 points), brainstem reflexes (0-4 points), and respiration patterns (0-4 points), for a maximum total of 16 points. The scale provides more detailed assessment of brainstem function than GCS and can detect locked-in syndrome and vegetative states. It's particularly valuable in neurocritical care settings where precise neurological assessment is crucial for prognosis and treatment decisions. The FOUR score has shown good inter-rater reliability and prognostic value in various neurological conditions.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize FOUR when referring to the scale; specify that it's a score for clarity.
In Context
- "The patient's FOUR score improved from 6 to 12 over the past 48 hours." — Neurocritical care round note
- "Given the patient's intubated status, FOUR score was used instead of GCS for assessment." — Nursing documentation