WFNS
Also written as: WFNS — World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies
World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grading scale for subarachnoid hemorrhage severity based on GCS and focal deficits.
Full Definition
The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scale is a widely used grading system for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage that stratifies patients into five grades based on Glasgow Coma Scale score and presence of focal motor deficits. Grade I patients have GCS 15 with no motor deficit, Grade II has GCS 13-14 without motor deficit, Grade III has GCS 13-14 with motor deficit, Grade IV has GCS 7-12, and Grade V has GCS 3-6. This classification system helps predict outcomes and guide treatment decisions in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The WFNS scale has largely replaced older grading systems like Hunt and Hess due to its simplicity and reliability. Higher grades are associated with increased mortality and morbidity, though individual patient factors also significantly influence prognosis.
Usage
Usage note: Standardized grading system; spell out full name on first use.
In Context
- "The patient presented with WFNS Grade III subarachnoid hemorrhage." — Emergency department assessment
- "WFNS grading was used to stratify surgical risk for aneurysm repair." — Neurosurgical consultation