Glasgow Coma Score

Here's a quick table to reference for when you are assessing your patient using the Glasgow Coma Score:

Parameter	Stimulus	Response	Score
Eye Opening	Spontaneous To Speech To Pain To Pain	Opens eyes on own Opens eyes when asked Opens eyes to pain Does not open eyes	4 3 2 1
Best Motor Response	To Command To Pain To Pain To Pain To Pain To Pain	Follows simple commands Pulls away from pain Withdraws from pain Flexes (decorticates) to pain Flexes (decerebrates) to pain No response to pain	6 5 4 3 2 1
Best Verbal  Response	Can carry on a conversation, oriented to time, place, and person Converses, but may be confused/disoriented Replies with inappropriate words Makes only incomprehensible sounds Makes no verbal response		5 4 3 2 1

When you've assessed your patient, add up their total. We had a saying, "Less than 8; intubate." I've found that to be pretty true with my experience. I hope that this is helpful.

Here's a couple more articles you may find helpful:

Complete Head to Toe Assessment
Increased Intracranial Pressure
How to Pass Pharmacology

Leave a comment if there is something you'd like for me to post about in particular.

Xoxo,

Nightingale