Definition of Glasgow Scale

The Scale from Glasgow is an important tool used to quantify the level of conscience of an individual and be able to establish the prognosis of an injury in which some form of brain damage has occurred.

It was designed by two neurosurgeon doctors at Glasgow Hospital in England, where its name comes from, and published in 1974. From then on, its use spread to other hospitals in the United Kingdom and later globally, being used regularly in emergency services.

Parameters to be quantified on the Glasgow Scale

This scale allows to measure the level of consciousness and the state cognitive of an individual evaluating three fundamental aspects such as eye opening, motor response and verbal response after stimuli. The maximum value is 15 points and corresponds to a person without any type of brain involvement, while the minimum possible is 3 points, which is compatible with a deep coma.

Eye aperture. To carry out the opening of the eyes it is necessary to be awake and also attentive to the environment, this action requires that the neurons of the brainstem, thalamus and hypothalamus as well as the reticular system are undamaged to be able to be carried to cape. Depending on the degree of stimulation that is necessary to obtain this response, a higher or lower score will be assigned to this

category, it is necessary to rule out injuries that may affect this response such as trauma to the eyelids or paralysis of the facial muscles to avoid an error in the measurement of this parameter on the scale.

Spontaneous eye opening: 4 points
Eye opening when speaking: 3 points
Eye opening to pain: 2 points
None: 1 point

Verbal response. Verbal response encompasses two fundamental processes, the ability both to understand instruction and to give a response. This part of the scale assesses the level of alertness and awareness of oneself and their environment, and can also identify if there are lesions in the language centers.

Oriented: 5 points
Confused: 4 points
Inappropriate words: 3 points
Incomprehensible sounds: 2 points
No response: 1 point

Motor response. This part of the scale assesses global brain function and integration of the various areas, it covers a higher score. Initially, simple commands should be given and the response evaluated, in the event that orders are not obeyed, painful stimuli should be applied to assess if there is any type of movement.

Obey orders: 6 points
Locate the pain: 5 points
Withdrawal of pain: 4 points
Abnormal flexion: 3 points
Abnormal extension: 2 points
No response: 1 point

How to interpret the Glasgow Scale

This scale was initially created to quantify brain damage in patients who had suffered head injuries, mainly from falls, car accidents, gunshot wounds. However, at present, its use is extended to all patients in whom it is necessary to evaluate the integrity of the brain's functions.

Scores on this scale can be affected by factors such as the intake of alcohol, the effect of drugs and sedative medications.

The app of the scale must be carried out in the first 24 hours and periodically thereafter, with which any deterioration or improvement in the conditions of the patient.

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Themes on the Glasgow Scale