Clinical Calculators

GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale)

Assessment of level of consciousness

3 items left

Eye opening (E)
Best verbal response (V)
Best motor response (M)

Cautions

  • For each of eye, verbal and motor, rate the best response observed.
  • Stimulate first with sound (a spoken or shouted request). If there is no response, use physical stimulation: pressure on the fingertip, the trapezius or the supraorbital notch.
  • If a component cannot be assessed (for example because of eye swelling, intubation or paralysis), record it as NT (non testable). When any component is NT, this calculator does not give a total.
  • Describe an individual patient by the three components E, V and M, not by the sum alone. The sum is better suited to comparing groups.
  • The cut-offs that define head-injury severity (mild, moderate, severe) differ between publications, so this calculator does not give a severity category.
  • The scale can be applied without modification to children over 5 years old. For younger children and infants the verbal response does not fit; a modified version with changed verbal and other responses exists (the Paediatric GCS).

References

  1. Teasdale G, Jennett B. Assessment of coma and impaired consciousness. A practical scale. Lancet. 1974;2(7872):81-84. (original not seen) PMID: 4136544, DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(74)91639-0[Original article]
  2. Teasdale G, Maas A, Lecky F, Manley G, Stocchetti N, Murray G. The Glasgow Coma Scale at 40 years: standing the test of time. Lancet Neurol. 2014;13(8):844-854. (Summary (abstract)) (original not seen) PMID: 25030516, DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(14)70120-6[Original article]
  3. Glasgow Coma Scale (glasgowcomascale.org). Frequently asked questions: How is the Glasgow Coma Scale modified for children? (FAQ 2) https://www.glasgowcomascale.org/faq/[Guideline]
  4. Teasdale G. Glasgow Coma Scale: Do it this way (GCS Assessment Aid, English). Institute of Neurological Sciences, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde; 2015. (Eye, verbal and motor tables (Criterion, Rating, Score) and the sites of stimulation) https://glasgowcomascale.org/downloads/GCS-Assessment-Aid-English.pdf?v=3[Guideline]

The copyright of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) belongs to Glasgow University. The copyright of the GCS Aid and the GCS-P belongs to Sir Graham Teasdale.

Checked on: 2026-10-12

Disclaimer

This calculation is intended to support the judgment of healthcare professionals. Results are for reference only; decisions about diagnosis and treatment must be made by the responsible healthcare professional. The values you enter never leave your device.