Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale
Also see the card on Pediatric Blunt Head Trauma (PECARN Study).
This variation of the adult Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is for children age <2 years old
- Total = 15 points
- GCS score most useful when stated as individual sub-scores and total: E4/V5/M6 = 15
- Should be applied in the assessment of children ≤2 years old in the PECARN Pediatric Head Injury decision tool 1
Head Injury Classification
| Glasgow Coma Scale Score |
Head Injury Severity |
| ≥13 |
Minor head injury |
| 9-12 |
Moderate head injury |
| ≤8 |
Severe head injury |
Eyes
| Points |
Behavior |
| 4 |
Open spontaneously |
| 3 |
Open to verbal stimuli |
| 2 |
Open to pain only |
| 1 |
No response |
Verbal
| Points |
Behavior |
| 5 |
Coos, babbles |
| 4 |
Irritably cries |
| 3 |
Cries in response to pain |
| 2 |
Moans in response to pain |
| 1 |
No response |
Motor
| Points |
|
| 6 |
Moves spontaneously / purposefully |
| 5 |
Withdraws to touch |
| 4 |
Withdraws to pain |
| 3 |
Flexor posturing to pain (decorticate posturing) |
| 2 |
Extensor posturing to pain (decerebrate posturing) |
| 1 |
No response |
References
- Borgialli DA, Mahajan P, Hoyle JD, et al. Performance of the Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale Score in the Evaluation of Children With Blunt Head Trauma. Acad Emerg Med. 2016;23(8):878-84. (Validation study) PubMed
- Teasdale G, Jennett B. Assessment of coma and impaired consciousness. A practical scale. Lancet. 1974;2(7872):81-4. (Original development) PubMed
- James HE. Neurologic evaluation and support in the child with an acute brain insult. Pediatr Ann. 1986;15(1):16-22. (Original development) PubMed
