Glasgow Coma Scale
Also written as: GCS — Glasgow Coma Scale
A standardized neurological assessment tool measuring eye opening, verbal response, and motor response in brain-injured patients.
Full Definition
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a 15-point scale used to assess consciousness level in patients with brain injury. It evaluates three components: eye opening response (1-4 points), verbal response (1-5 points), and motor response (1-6 points). Scores range from 3 (deep coma) to 15 (normal consciousness). In trauma surgery, GCS helps determine severity of traumatic brain injury and guides treatment decisions including intubation and surgical intervention.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize 'Glasgow Coma Scale' when spelled out. When using the acronym, often followed by the numerical score.
In Context
- "The patient presented with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 8, prompting immediate intubation." — Emergency department note
- "Serial Glasgow Coma Scale assessments showed improvement from 6 to 12 over 48 hours." — Progress note