Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Quiz

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

• The GCS scores range from 3 (worst) to 15 (best)
• The scale consists of three parameters:
  • Best eye response (E)
  • Best verbal response (V)
  • Best motor response (M)

Eye Response (E)

• Spontaneous eye opening: 4 points
• Eye opening in response to verbal command: 3 points
• Eye opening in response to pain: 2 points
• No eye opening: 1 point

Verbal Response (V)

• Oriented response: 5 points
• Confused response: 4 points
• Inappropriate words: 3 points
• Incomprehensible sounds: 2 points
• No verbal response: 1 point

Motor Response (M)

• Obeys commands: 6 points
• Localizing response to pain: 5 points
• Withdrawal response to pain: 4 points
• Flexion response to pain: 3 points
• Extension response to pain: 2 points
• No motor response: 1 point

GCS Score Interpretation

• Score of 13 or higher: mild brain injury
• Score of 9-12: moderate brain injury
• Score of 8 or less: severe brain injury

Assess your knowledge of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), a neurological scale used to measure a patient's level of consciousness. Learn about the scoring system and how to evaluate a patient's response.