Clinical Scores

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Calculator

Eye, verbal and motor responses scored 3 to 15; 8 or less usually means the airway needs protecting.

Reviewed by Alex G, BSN, RN, CEN, CCRN, CMC, NREMT-P · From the Reference tab of the app

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Formula

GCS = Eye Opening (1-4) + Verbal Response (1-5) + Motor Response (1-6)

How it is used

• GCS ≤ 8: "Less than eight, intubate." Indicates failure to protect the airway.
• Always record the breakdown (e.g., E3 V4 M5 = GCS 12) rather than just the total score.

Key points

• A drop in GCS of 2 or more points is considered a significant neurological decline requiring immediate evaluation.

Same formula as the app. Open it in the web app.

Related one-pagers

• Sepsis and Septic Shock BundleGCS · 13–14 · 10–12 · 6–9 · <6
• DKA and HHSHourly · Glucose, vital signs, GCS (pupils in HHS, children) · Glucose trend; early cerebral edema
• Pediatric Assessment and EmergenciesNeurologic · GCS 10 or less / both pupils fixed · 1 / 2
• Shock Types at a GlanceCardiac arrest modifier: add only if comatose (GCS <9) after the arrest. Current US guidance: norepinephrine first; no routine IABP in MI-related shock.

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For education and exam preparation only. Follow your institution’s protocols. For education and exam preparation only. Verify results independently and follow your institution’s protocols. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.