Paediatric Glasgow Coma Scale


The Paediatric Glasgow Coma Scale is the equivalent of the Glasgow Coma Scale used to assess the level of consciousness of child patients. As many of the assessments for an adult patient would not be appropriate for infants, the Glasgow Coma Scale was modified slightly to form the PGCS. As with the GCS, the PGCS comprises three tests: eye, verbal and motor responses. The three values separately as well as their sum are considered. The lowest possible PGCS is 3 whilst the highest is 15. The pediatric GCS is commonly used in emergency medical services.

Coma scale

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EyesDoes not open eyesOpens eyes in response to painful stimuliOpens eyes in response to speechOpens eyes spontaneouslyN/AN/A
VerbalNo verbal responseInconsolable, agitatedInconsistently inconsolable, moaningCries but consolable, inappropriate interactionsSmiles, orients to sounds, follows objects, interactsN/A
MotorNo motor responseExtension to pain Abnormal flexion to pain for an infant Infant withdraws from painInfant withdraws from touchInfant moves spontaneously or purposefully

Best eye response: (E)

Best verbal response: (V)

Source:

Best motor responses: (M)

Any combined score of less than eight represents a significant risk of mortality.