1. What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 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 assesses three aspects: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the GCS equation:

Where:

• \( Eye \) — Eye response score (1-4)
• \( Verbal \) — Verbal response score (1-5)
• \( Motor \) — Motor response score (1-6)

Explanation: The scale ranges from 3 (deep unconsciousness) to 15 (fully awake and oriented).

3. Importance of GCS Assessment

Details: GCS is crucial for assessing the severity of acute brain injury, monitoring neurological status, and predicting outcomes in trauma and critical care patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select the appropriate response for each category based on patient examination. The total score will be calculated automatically.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the GCS scores indicate?
A: 13-15 = mild injury, 9-12 = moderate injury, 3-8 = severe injury (coma).

Q2: How often should GCS be assessed?
A: Frequency depends on clinical condition, but typically every 1-2 hours for acute cases.

Q3: Are there limitations to GCS?
A: Yes, it may be less reliable in intubated patients, those with facial trauma, or pediatric cases.

Q4: What's the minimum and maximum GCS score?
A: Minimum is 3 (deep coma), maximum is 15 (fully alert).

Q5: How should GCS be documented?
A: Document both the total score and individual components (e.g., "GCS 10: E3 V3 M4").