Glasgow Coma Scale facts for kids
Glasgow Coma Scale or GCS is a scale that is used to measure the consciousness of a person. It was invented in 1974 by Graham Teasdale and Bryan J. Jennett, professors of neurosurgery at the University of Glasgow.
GCS is used in evaluation of patients, especially in ICUs. This scale consists of three tests, which are described below. A score is given for each test, and the GCS score is calculated by adding the scores given to each test. The maximum score is 15, which means the patient is fully conscious. The minimum score is 3, and is usually seen in patients with brain death or those in deep coma.
Elements of the scale
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eyes | N/A | N/A | Opens eyes by himself | Opens eyes in response to voice | Opens eyes in response to pain | Does not open eyes |
| Verbal | N/A | Oriented (normal) | Confused (disoriented) | Says inappropriate words | Makes meaningless sounds | Makes no sounds |
| Motor | Obeys commands | Localizes pain | Withdraws from painful stimulus | Decorticate posturing with painful stimulus | Decerebrate posturing with painful stimulus | Makes no movements |
The scale comprises three tests: eye, verbal (talking) and motor (movement) responses.
See also
In Spanish: Escala de coma de Glasgow para niños
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Glasgow Coma Scale Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.