What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?

The GCS is a neurological scale used to assess level of consciousness, developed by Teasdale and Jennett in 1974. It evaluates three components: Eye opening (1-4), Verbal response (1-5), and Motor response (1-6). Scores range from 3 (deep coma/death) to 15 (fully conscious).

How do I score an intubated patient?

For intubated patients who cannot speak, record the verbal score as 'T' (tube) instead of a number. The score is documented as E_V_TM_ format, e.g., E3VTM5. You cannot calculate a true total GCS in intubated patients, but you can document Eye + Motor components.

When should I consider intubation based on GCS?

GCS ≤8 is traditionally considered an indication for intubation for airway protection. These patients have lost protective reflexes and are at high risk for aspiration. However, clinical judgment considering trajectory, etiology, and other factors is essential.

Which component of GCS is most predictive?

The Motor score alone is the most predictive component for outcomes, particularly in traumatic brain injury. Some clinicians advocate for using Motor score alone (the 'M' score) for prognostication. M ≤4 correlates with poor outcomes.

What are the limitations of GCS?

GCS has limitations: it cannot be fully assessed in intubated or sedated patients, cannot detect subtle changes in alert patients, varies between raters, and doesn't account for lateralizing signs or pupil abnormalities. It should be used with other assessments.

How is GCS used in triage and prognosis?

GCS 13-15: Mild injury, good prognosis. GCS 9-12: Moderate injury, requires close monitoring. GCS 3-8: Severe injury, requires aggressive management. GCS is also a component of trauma scoring systems like the Revised Trauma Score (RTS).

GCS Calculator

Glasgow Coma Scale for assessing level of consciousness in acute medical and trauma patients.

Eye Opening (E)

Score: 4

Verbal Response (V)

Intubated (T)

Motor Response (M)

Score: 6

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Glasgow Coma Scale

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Select responses

Eye (E)

of 4

Verbal (V)

of 5

Motor (M)

of 6

Severity Classification

Clinical Actions

Scoring Summary

Score	Eye (E)	Verbal (V)	Motor (M)
6	-	-	Obeys
5	-	Oriented	Localizes
4	Spontaneous	Confused	Withdraws
3	To voice	Inappropriate	Flexion
2	To pain	Incomprehensible	Extension
1	None	None	None

Reference: Teasdale G, Jennett B. Assessment of coma and impaired consciousness. Lancet. 1974.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the GCS Calculator

What it calculates

This gcs calculator applies a validated clinical scoring method used in healthcare settings. Glasgow Coma Scale for consciousness.

When to use it

Use as a clinical decision support aid alongside professional judgment — not as a standalone diagnosis.

Example

Adjust the inputs above to model your specific scenario with the GCS Calculator.

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GCS Calculator

Eye Opening (E)

Verbal Response (V)

Motor Response (M)

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Scoring Summary

About the GCS Calculator

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