Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

The Glasgow Coma Scale describes the level of consciousness using three components: eye opening (1–4), verbal response (1–5) and motor response (1–6). Select the best response for each component.

⚠︎ Learning tool for medical education – not for use in patients or for treatment decisions.

Calculator

E – Eye opening
V – Verbal response
M – Motor response
–GCS

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Classification (original publication)

ScoreClassification (original publication)
3–15Total (coma score) – mainly describes groups; for individuals always report the three components (Teasdale 2014)

Components rather than total

Teasdale and Jennett described the scale in 1974 as a practical method for assessing coma and impaired consciousness. According to Teasdale et al. (2014), individual patients are best described by the three components, whereas the total score is better suited to characterise groups. A total of 8 can, for example, mean E2V2M4 or E1V1M6.

Not testable (NT)

If a component cannot be assessed, for example the verbal response in an intubated patient, it is recorded as NT (not testable) rather than scored as 1. No total score is reported in that case (glasgowcomascale.org).

Copyright

GCS © University of Glasgow. According to the publishers, the scale may be used without a licence and at no cost; the copyright should be acknowledged. The official structured approach and aids are available at glasgowcomascale.org.

FAQ

What is the range of the GCS?▾

The total ranges from 3 (no response in any component) to 15 (E4V5M6).

Does the GCS apply to young children?▾

From about 5 years of age it can be applied without modification. A modified paediatric version exists for younger children (glasgowcomascale.org).

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

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Intended purpose: learning tool for medical education only. Not intended for use in patients or for diagnostic or treatment decisions; not a medical device. Calculations follow the cited original publications; no guarantee of completeness or correctness. Last updated: 10/2026 · Dr. Pascal Bafteh