Glasgow Coma Scale Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the glasgow coma scale calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Glasgow Coma Scale Calculator

Formulas Used

GCS Total Score

gcs_total = eye_response + verbal_response + motor_response

E+V+M

gcs_breakdown = eye_response * 100 + verbal_response * 10 + motor_response

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
eye_responseEye Opening4
verbal_responseVerbal Response5
motor_responseMotor Response6

How It Works

Glasgow Coma Scale

The GCS assesses consciousness level on a scale of 3-15.

GCS = Eye + Verbal + Motor

Severity Classification

| GCS Score | Severity | |---|---| | 13-15 | Mild | | 9-12 | Moderate | | 3-8 | Severe (intubation usually needed) |

Component Ranges

  • Eye: 1-4
  • Verbal: 1-5
  • Motor: 1-6 (most predictive component)

    • Worked Example

    A patient with spontaneous eye opening (4), confused speech (4), and obeying commands (6).

    eye_response = 4verbal_response = 4motor_response = 6
    1. 01Eye = 4 (Spontaneous)
    2. 02Verbal = 4 (Confused)
    3. 03Motor = 6 (Obeys commands)
    4. 04GCS = 4 + 4 + 6 = 14 (Mild - E4V4M6)

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Glasgow Coma Scale Calculator