A clinical observation scale used to document level of consciousness.
A method developed by neurosurgeons in Glasgow that is used to assess the depth of coma or unconsciousness suffered by an individual. The scale is split into three groups eye opening, motor response, and verbal response with the level of activity within each group given a score. A person’s total score is the sum of the numbers scored in each group, and this provides a reasonably objective assessment of the patient’s coma state particularly useful when monitoring people who have suffered a head injury.
A scale used to determine a patient’s level of consciousness. It is a rating from 3 to 15 of the patient’s ability to open his or her eyes, respond verbally, and move normally. The GCS is used primarily during the examination of patients with trauma or stroke. Repeated examinations can help determine if the patient’s brain function is improving or deteriorating. Many EMS systems use the GCS for triage purposes and for determining which patients should be intubated in the field.
In the realm of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), there exists a metric that quantifies the degree of awareness and neurological performance following such an incident. This measure is employed to gauge the cognitive state and functional capabilities of individuals who have experienced a TBI.