Glasgow Coma Scale
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a universal assessment tool for the level of consciousness. It is scored based on eyes, verbal response and motor response. The maximum score is 15/15, and the minimum is 3/15.
A score of 8/15 needs airway support, as there is a risk of airway obstruction or aspiration, leading to hypoxia and brain injury.
| Score | Eyes | Verbal Response | Motor Response |
| 6 | – | – | Obeys commands |
| 5 | – | Oriented | Localises pain |
| 4 | Spontaneous | Confused | Normal flexion |
| 3 | Speech | Inappropriate words | Abnormal flexion |
| 2 | Pain | Incomprehensible sounds | Extends |
| 1 | None | None | None |