Neurology

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

Level of consciousness from eye, verbal and motor response.

Education and reference only. Not a substitute for clinical judgement, local policy or product labelling. Always verify before clinical use. Values are calculated in your browser and never stored.

When to use

Use to assess and communicate level of consciousness in acute illness or head injury, and to track change over time.

Why use

It is the universal language for describing conscious level.

Advice

GCS ≤8 indicates a high risk to the airway and usually prompts urgent senior/anaesthetic input. Always report the three components, not just the total.

Evidence & references

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

About the creator

Teasdale & Jennett

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