1. What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a neurological scale used to assess a person's level of consciousness after brain injury. It evaluates three components: eye response, verbal response, and motor response, with scores ranging from 3 to 15.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the GCS formula:

Where:

• \( E \) — Eye Response (1-4)
• \( V \) — Verbal Response (1-5)
• \( M \) — Motor Response (1-6)

Explanation: The scale assesses consciousness by evaluating these three components, with higher scores indicating better neurological function.

3. Importance of GCS Assessment

Details: GCS is crucial for monitoring neurological status, guiding treatment decisions, and predicting outcomes in patients with brain injuries or altered consciousness.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select the appropriate response level for each category based on the patient's best response. The calculator will sum the scores to provide the total GCS.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do different GCS scores indicate?
A: Scores of 13-15 indicate mild brain injury, 9-12 moderate injury, and 3-8 severe injury (coma).

Q2: How often should GCS be assessed?
A: Frequency depends on the patient's condition but is typically done hourly in acute settings or whenever neurological status changes.

Q3: Are there limitations to the GCS?
A: Yes, it may be less reliable in intubated patients, those with facial trauma, or when sedatives are administered.

Q4: What's the pediatric version of GCS?
A: The Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale modifies verbal responses for children too young to speak.

Q5: Can GCS predict recovery?
A: While lower scores generally indicate poorer prognosis, GCS is just one factor and should be considered with other clinical findings.