How the Glasgow Coma Scale helps determine brain injury level

A traumatic brain injury can be minor to very severe. Such an injury can happen to anyone, although those in car accidents, slip and fall accidents and sports incidents are often affected.

The Glasgow Coma Scale is used by doctors and other health care professionals to determine how severe a patient’s head injury is. There are three categories in the Glasgow Coma Scale: eye movement response, motor skill response and verbal skill response. Each category has specific responses that are attached to a number between one and six for verbal responses, one and five for motor skill response and one and four for verbal responses.

For example, a patient who follows commands will receive a six in the verbal skill response. No movement will receive a one. A patient who is able to answer questions correctly without difficulty will receive a five in the verbal skill response.

After determining a number for each category, they are added up. A score of eight or lower signifies a severe traumatic brain injury. A score of nine to 13 means that the patient suffered a moderate TBI. A score of over 13 means the TBI is minor.

At The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, we understand how difficult dealing with a TBI can be. For the victims, this injury can result in life-long difficulties, may not allow for a return to work or can result in having to learn everything — such as talking or walking — all over again. We have medical experts that can testify at a civil court trial, if needed, to seek compensation.

We invite you to browse the pages on our website associated with personal injury.