GCS 15 – what does it mean?

⚠︎ Learning page – classification and study figures only, no treatment recommendation.

In short

GCS 15 (often written "15/15") is the maximum Glasgow Coma Scale score. It can only come about one way: E4V5M6 – eyes open spontaneously, the verbal response is orientated and commands are obeyed.

The figures describe groups in the cited studies, not the risk of an individual person. This page contains no treatment or management recommendation.

Classification

In traumatic brain injury, GCS 15 belongs to the 13–15 (mild) group according to the MSD Manual. In qSOFA, a GCS below 15 counts as altered mentation (Sepsis-3).

Just 1 point less

GCS 14 can come about in 3 ways: E4V4M6, E3V5M6, E4V5M5. This is why reporting the components is advised (Teasdale 2014).

Components rather than total

According to Teasdale et al. (2014), individual patients are best described by the three components (for example E3V4M6); the total is better suited to characterising groups. If a component cannot be assessed, for example the verbal response during intubation, it is recorded as NT (not testable) and no total is given (glasgowcomascale.org).

All ranges at a glance

GCSSeverity of traumatic brain injury (convention, MSD Manual)
13–15mild
9–12moderate
3–8severe

Single scores: GCS 15 · GCS 3

Calculate it yourself

Enter the criteria in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) calculator – it runs only in your browser.

FAQ

What does GCS 15/15 mean?▾

15 out of 15 possible points: E4V5M6, i.e. the best possible response in all three components.

Does GCS 15 mean "normal"?▾

The GCS describes only the level of consciousness in three components. It says nothing about other neurological findings.

References

  1. Teasdale G, Jennett B. Assessment of coma and impaired consciousness. A practical scale. Lancet 1974;2:81–4. · PubMed
  2. Teasdale G et al. The Glasgow Coma Scale at 40 years: standing the test of time. Lancet Neurol 2014;13:844–54. · PubMed
  3. Glasgow Coma Scale – Structured Assessment, FAQ und Permissions. © University of Glasgow (GCS); Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. · glasgowcomascale.org
  4. MSD Manual Professional Edition: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) (Stand 02/2025) – Abschnitt Glasgow Coma Scale. · msdmanuals.com

Learning page for medical education only: classification and figures reported in the cited sources, no treatment or management recommendation, not for use in patients; not a medical device. Last updated: 10/2026 · Dr. Pascal Bafteh