Glasgow Coma Scale

Assess spontaneous eye opening, then response to sound and pressure when needed.

Accepted units

• E1–E4

Used by

• Glasgow Coma Scale

Clinical note
Record NT when the component cannot be tested, rather than assigning an artificial score of 1.

Reference
Glasgow Coma Scale structured assessment.

Assess orientation and the quality of verbal output.

Accepted units

• V1–V5

Used by

• Glasgow Coma Scale

Clinical note
Factors such as intubation, language barriers or severe facial injury may make this component not testable.

Reference
Glasgow Coma Scale structured assessment.

Assess response to commands and, when required, response to an appropriate pressure stimulus.

Accepted units

• M1–M6

Used by

• Glasgow Coma Scale

Clinical note
Distinguish localising, normal flexion and abnormal flexion carefully and record the best response.

Reference
Glasgow Coma Scale structured assessment.