Neurology

GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) Calculator

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

Evaluates coma severity based on Eye, Verbal, and Motor criteria. Used for serial assessments in medical or surgical presentations.
Eye Opening (E)
Max score: 4
Verbal Response (V)
Max score: 5
Motor Response (M)
Max score: 6
CRITICAL ACTION: Patient has a GCS ≤ 8. Consider intubation for airway protection depending on overall clinical picture and expected clinical course.
0
Total Score
E- V- M-
Calculating severity index…
Total ScoreBrain Injury Severity
13 – 15Mild
9 – 12Moderate
3 – 8Severe (Consider Intubation)
1
Score vs Scale: Total Score is only applicable when all 3 components are testable. If any is not testable (NT), use the Scale components (e.g., E4 V[NT] M6).
2
Intubation Context: A rapidly declining GCS is concerning. Intubation should be considered based on the overall clinical picture, not solely on a GCS cutoff.
3
False Reassurance: A GCS of 15 should not be taken as an indication that a trauma or medical patient is not critically ill.
4
Pediatrics: For preverbal children (≤2 years of age), consider using the Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale instead.
This calculator is intended for clinical decision support by medical professionals only. Decisions about management should be made based on clinical presentation and context, not solely overridden by the GCS score.
Key References:
  • Teasdale G, Jennett B. Assessment of coma and impaired consciousness. A practical scale. Lancet. 1974;2(7872):81-4.
  • Healey C, et al. Improving the Glasgow Coma Scale score: motor score alone is a better predictor. J Trauma. 2003;54(4):671-8.
Reviewed by ·
Semahattin Serkan Sezer MD

Pulmonologist and Intensive Care Specialist specializing in clinical informatics and the development of evidence-based decision support tools for healthcare professionals.