Dr. Jennett’s primary research was focused on prognosis after head injury and criteria for brain death.As a junior doctor in the early 1970s, I saw that crucial decisions on patients with an acute brain injury were being taken on the findings of a chaotic mixture of many different, ill-defined systems for assessing their so-called “conscious level.” I saw how this created confusion about the severity of a patient's condition, how it undermined communication, and how this led to delays in detecting and acting on clinical changes and, most importantly, to avoid morbidity and mortality.A better system of assessment was also needed to support First: distinguish between the use of the Scale and its derived total or sum Score.The purpose of the Scale is to describe and communicate the condition of an individual patient by separate, multidimensional rating of their eye, verbal and motor responses.
A scan doesn't tell you what the patient is like.The challenge in working on concussion is the lack of an independent, biologically sound, way of separating it out sharply and definitely within the spectrum of mild, trauma-induced brain disturbances. This material must not be used for commercial purposes, or in any hospital or medical facility. A patient's Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) should be documented on a coma scale chart. A TBI can injure the person's brain badly enough that he is no longer conscious (awake and aware). The situation is less clear in the case of GCS scores of 9 to 12 (moderate neuroemergency) and 13 to 15 (mild neuroemergency) where the sequelae may be best handled by other disciplines. Mental status testing can be more extensive, including attention, orientation, language, memory, and behavior. Fixed midposition pupils suggest symmetric midbrain dysfunction. The Glasgow coma scale (GCS) is a tool used to assess and calculate a patient’s level of consciousness. The GCS was initially used to assess level of consciousness in patients after head injury, but the scale is now used in many acutely unwell patients. If the patient is unable to follow commands, sensorimotor responses may be assessed by a peripheral noxious stimulus (e.g., nail bed pressure). The total Glasgow Coma Score has values between 3, indicating deep unconsciousness, and 15, indicating full consciousness. Available for Android and iOS devices. Careful examination is warranted to identify foreign bodies, fractures, or penetrating injuries that may underlie more superficial damage. Use for children 2 years and younger only.
In infants, massive scalp hematomas may result in hypotension and shock. In infants, the open fontanel can be assessed quickly. Injury. The CCS is used because very young children cannot speak or move as well as adults. Severe Head Injury----GCS score of 8 or less Moderate Head Injury----GCS score of 9 to 12 Mild Head Injury----GCS score of 13 to 15 (Adapted from: Advanced Trauma Life Support: Course for Physicians, American College of Surgeons, 1993). 2016;42(1):3-15. At a minimum, report the initial score documented on presentation to your facility. Petridou, Constantine N. Antonopoulos, in International Encyclopedia of Public Health (Second Edition)Current Therapy of Trauma and Surgical Critical CareNeurosensory Diagnostic Techniques for Mild Traumatic Brain InjuryNeurosensory Disorders in Mild Traumatic Brain InjuryHandbook of Neuroemergency Clinical Trials (Second Edition)Encyclopedia of the Neurological Sciences (Second Edition)ScienceDirect ® is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V.
Doctors can score a person's level of consciousness using a tool called the Glasgow Coma Scale.