Glasgow Coma Scale

The Glasgow Coma Scale (pronunciation: /ˈɡlazɡoʊ ˈkoʊmə skeɪl/) is a neurological scale that aims to give a reliable, objective way of recording the conscious state of a person for initial as well as subsequent assessment. It was developed by Graham Teasdale and Bryan Jennett, professors of neurosurgery at the University of Glasgow's Institute of Neurological Sciences at the city's Southern General Hospital.

Etymology

The Glasgow Coma Scale is named after the city of Glasgow, Scotland, where it was developed. The term "coma scale" refers to the system's use in measuring the depth and duration of coma and impaired consciousness.

Description

The Glasgow Coma Scale is composed of three tests: eye, verbal, and motor responses. The three values separately, as well as their sum, are considered. The lowest possible Glasgow Coma Scale score is 3 (deep coma or death), while the highest is 15 (fully awake person).

Eye Response

The eye response test measures whether the patient's eyes open spontaneously, open to speech, open to pain, or do not open at all.

Verbal Response

The verbal response test measures whether the patient is oriented, confused, uses inappropriate words, incomprehensible speech, or makes no sound at all.

Motor Response

The motor response test measures whether the patient obeys commands, localizes pain, withdraws from pain, shows abnormal flexion, shows abnormal extension, or makes no movement at all.

Related Terms

Coma: A state of deep unconsciousness that lasts for a prolonged or indefinite period, caused especially by severe injury or illness.
Neurological Assessment: The collection of information on a patient's nervous system and the evaluation of its health and function.
Consciousness: The state of being awake and aware of one's surroundings.
University of Glasgow: A public research university in Glasgow, Scotland.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Glasgow Coma Scale
Wikipedia's article - Glasgow Coma Scale

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Glasgow Coma Scale