First described in 1974, this renowned scale provides an assessment of coma and impaired consciousness. Results of the assessment are used to guide initial decision-making about treatment and monitor trends in patient responsiveness. Used by physicians and clinicians worldwide, the scale is a method of communicating the consciousness of patients with acute brain injury. The scale assesses visual, verbal, stimulation, and motor responses to determine the extent of a coma. Used widely in acute and postacute settings, the scale has become a powerful tool in deciphering the degree of a person's brain injury.
| Eye Opening |
E |
|
spontaneous |
4 |
|
to speech |
3 |
|
to pain |
2 |
|
no response |
1 |
| Best Motor Response | M |
|
To Verbal Command: |
|
|
obeys |
6 |
| To Painful Stimulus: | |
|
localizes pain |
5 |
|
flexion-withdrawal |
4 |
|
flexion-abnormal |
3 |
|
extension |
2 |
|
no response |
1 |
| Best Verbal Response | V |
|
oriented and converses |
5 |
|
disoriented and converses |
4 |
|
inappropriate words |
3 |
|
incomprehensible sounds |
2 |
|
no response |
1 |
E + M + V = 3 to 15
90% less than or equal to 8 are in coma
Greater than or equal to 9 not in coma
8 is the critical score
Less than or equal to 8 at 6 hours - 50% die
9-12 = moderate severity
Greater than or equal to 13 = minor injury
Coma is defined as: (1) not opening eyes, (2) not obeying commands, and (3) not uttering understandable words.
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