Glasgow Coma Scale
Standardized neurological assessment tool scoring eye opening, verbal response, and motor response to evaluate consciousness level.
Full Definition
A widely used neurological assessment scale that evaluates three components of consciousness: eye opening (1-4 points), verbal response (1-5 points), and motor response (1-6 points), yielding a total score from 3-15. Developed in Glasgow in 1974, it provides objective measurement of consciousness level and neurological function. GCS scores guide clinical decision-making, with scores ≤8 typically indicating severe brain injury requiring intubation and intensive monitoring. The scale is used for initial assessment, monitoring neurological trends, and prognostic evaluation in traumatic brain injury and other causes of altered consciousness.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize Glasgow Coma Scale; commonly abbreviated as GCS.
In Context
- "The patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score decreased from 14 to 8, prompting immediate intubation." — Neurological assessment
- "Initial Glasgow Coma Scale of 3 indicated severe traumatic brain injury requiring aggressive management." — Trauma evaluation