Glasgow Coma Scale Score Range
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a widely used tool for assessing a person's level of consciousness following a brain injury. It evaluates three key areas: Eye Opening, Verbal Response, and Motor Response.
GCS Score Components and Range
The total GCS score is derived from the sum of scores awarded for each of the three components:
- Eye (E) Response: Minimum score is 1 (no response), maximum is 4 (spontaneous opening).
- Verbal (V) Response: Minimum score is 1 (no response), maximum is 5 (oriented).
- Motor (M) Response: Minimum score is 1 (no response), maximum is 6 (obeys commands).
Calculating Total GCS Score
The overall GCS score is the sum of the individual component scores (E + V + M).
- Lowest Score: The minimum possible score occurs when a patient scores the lowest in all categories: $1 + 1 + 1 = 3$.
- Highest Score: The maximum possible score occurs when a patient scores the highest in all categories: $4 + 5 + 6 = 15$.
Therefore, the Glasgow Coma Scale score ranges between 3 and 15.
Important Questions from Brain & Nervous System Surgery
Which of the following chromosomal abnormalities are associated with brain tumours?
1. Neurofibromatosis type 1
2. Neurofibromatosis type 2
3. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
4. Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Consider the following clinical features:
1. Raised ICP
2. Seizures
3. Focal deficit
4. Headache
Which of the above clinical features are related to most brain tumours?
- The most common type of brain tumours associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 brain tumour syndrome is
Upper motor neuron lesions are characterized by which of the following?
1. Increased tone spasticity
2. Hyperreflexia
3. Absent plantar response
4. Motor weakness
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A comatose patient after sustaining severe head injury has been admitted in neurosurgical ICU. Which of the following parameters should ideally be maintained in this patient ?
1. $pCO_2 = 4.5 – 5.0$ kPa ($33-38$ mm Hg)
2. MAP = $80 – 90$ mm of Hg
3. $pO_2 > 11$ kPa ($> 80$ mm Hg)
4. $Na^+ < 130$ meq/L
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
