This indicator makes it possible to evaluate the state of consciousness of a patient. In which cases is it necessary? How is the score calculated? How to interpret it? The explanations of Pr. Frédéric Adnet, head of the emergency department of the CHU Avicenne.
Definition: when to calculate the Glasgow Coma Scale?
The Glasgow Scale, also called Glasgow Score, is a measure that allows to establish the state of consciousness of an individual. It was established in 1974, in Glasgow, Scotland. “It allows to rate the severity of head trauma and grade the depth of a coma. It also allows to follow the evolution of the patient’s state of health“, explains Prof. Frédéric Adnet.
It is based on ratings of several criteria: eye opening, verbal response and motor response. “Responses, if not spontaneous, can be obtained after pain stimulation by pressing the nail with a pen“, specifies Pr. Adnet. Depending on the patient’s answer, the notation is different. Thus:
► The opening of the eyes
- Spontaneous: 4 points
- On demand: 3 points
- To pain: 2 points
- None: 1 point
“Emergency measures are practiced according to the result”
► The verbal response
- Oriented: 5 points
- Confused: 4 points
- Inappropriate: 3 points
- Incomprehensible: 2 points
- None: 1 point
► The motor response
- Obeys a simple verbal request: 6 points
- Adapted: 5 points
- Oriented: 4 points
- Flexion to pain: 3 points
- Extension to pain: 2 points
- None: 1 point
What is the normal score?
A healthy person has a Glasgow score of 15.
It all depends on the score:
► Between 3 and 8: we are talking about a severe head trauma / deep coma
► Between 9 and 12: head trauma moderate / mild drowsiness or coma
► Between 13 and 15: head trauma benign / totally conscious person
“Emergency measures are practiced according to the Glasgow scale result, adds Prof. Adnet. Subsequently, neurological examinations are carried out because if this scale makes it possible to measure the state of consciousness, it is not an aid to diagnosis.“.
Thank you to Pr. Frédéric Adnet, head of the emergency department of the CHU Avicenne.