What is the Glasgow Coma Scale and what GCS score indicates severe traumatic brain injury?

• A. A 3-15 scale assessing eye opening, verbal, and motor response; GCS ≤8 indicates severe TBI
• B. A 1-5 scale
• C. GCS is not used in trauma
• D. GCS measures only motor response

Answer: (A)

The Glasgow Coma Scale is a quick, standardized way to quantify a patient’s level of consciousness after a head injury. It combines three parts—eye opening, verbal response, and motor response—each with its own scoring, and the totals range from 3 (deep coma) to 15 (fully awake). A score of 8 or less indicates severe traumatic brain injury, signaling the need for urgent airway protection, close monitoring, and aggressive neuro checks. This scale is widely used in trauma care because it provides a simple, reproducible measure of neurological status.

The other statements miss key facts: the scale is not a 1-5 system; it does span 3-15, reflecting the three response categories; it is used in trauma to assess consciousness; and it does not measure only motor response since eye opening and verbal response are essential components.