Quick Reference Material
Glasgow Coma Scale (adults)
The GCS assesses the level of consciousness by scoring three aspects of the patients response and adding up the scores to reach a final score.
Glasgow Coma Scale
Eye response | open spontaneously | 4 |
open to verbal command | 3 |
open to pain | 2 |
no response | 1 |
Verbal response | talking and orientated | 5 |
confused/disorientated | 4 |
inappropriate words | 3 |
incomprehensible sounds | 2 |
no response | 1 |
Motor response | obeys commands | 6 |
localizes pain | 5 |
flexion/withdrawal | 4 |
abnormal flexion | 3 |
extension | 2 |
no response | 1 |
Total (GCS) | Range 315 |
Notes
Record GCS in shorthand showing its component parts (for example, GCS 10/15 (E3, V2, M5) means that the patient opens eyes to verbal commands, speaks incomprehensible sounds, localizes a painful stimulus). Similarly, when communicating with other health professionals describe the total score (GCS) and list its components.
Unconsciousness is generally taken to mean no eye response and GCS 8.
Abnormal flexion implies decorticate rigidity; and abnormal extension fimplies decerebrate rigidity.
An approximate idea of visual acuity can be obtained by reading this at arms length, though formal acuity documentation requires conventional Snellen chart testing. Reproduced from Denniston and Philip (2009), Oxford Handbook of Ophthalmology 2e, p. 4. With permission from Oxford University Press.
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