Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Glasgow Coma Scale
Also written as: GCS — Glasgow Coma Scale
Standardized neurological assessment tool measuring consciousness level in patients with brain injury.
Full Definition
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a 15-point assessment scale used to evaluate consciousness and neurological function in patients with traumatic brain injury or altered mental status. The scale measures three components: eye opening response (1-4 points), verbal response (1-5 points), and motor response (1-6 points). GCS scores help classify injury severity, guide treatment decisions, and predict outcomes in rehabilitation settings.
Usage
Usage note: Always report total score and individual component scores; distinguish from other consciousness scales.
In Context
- "The patient's GCS improved from 8 to 12 during the acute care hospitalization." — Admission assessment
- "GCS monitoring continues as part of the traumatic brain injury rehabilitation protocol." — Progress note
Also known as
GCS
coma scale
consciousness scale
Don't confuse with
Rancho Los Amigos Scale
JFK Coma Recovery Scale