Score

Eyes open:

spontaneously

4

to speech

3

to pain

2

never

1

Best verbal response:

oriented

5

confused

4

inappropriate words

3

incomprehensible sounds

2

none

1

Best motor response:

obeys commands

6

localizes pain

5

flexion to pain:

withdrawal

4

abnormal

3

extension to pain

2

none

1

Total

3-15

This score has been modified to be applicable to children, including those who have not learned to speak.

Eye movements:

directed (e.g. follows mother’s face)

1

not directed

0

Verbal response:

appropriate cry

2

moan or inappropriate cry

1

none

0

Best motor response:

localizes painful stimulus^a

2

withdraws limb from pain^b

1

nonspecific or absent response

0

Total

0-5

These scales can be used repeatedly to assess improvement or deterioration.

^a Rub knuckles on patient’s sternum.
^b Firm pressure on thumbnail bed with horizontal pencil.