23/01/2024
The Glasgow Coma Scale was originally developed to help determine the severity of a coma or dysfunction following a traumatic brain injury, but can be useful for any condition leading to impaired consciousness.
Method of Use
The GCS Assessment Aid has four steps to the assessment process: Check, observe, stimulate, rate.
Scoring
Mild TBI: GCS 13-15. These patients are awake, can present with confusion but are able to follow directions and communicate.
Moderate TBI: GCS 9-12. These patients are typically drowsy or obtunded, they can open eyes and localise painful stimuli upon assessment.
Severe TBI: GCS 3-8. These patients present as obtunded to comatose, they are unable to follow directions. They may exhibit decorate or decerebrate posturing.
