There are several scales used to describe the level of response in patients with brain injury.
In acute care the Glasgow Coma Scale is often used. The Glasgow Coma Scale rates eye opening, motor movement (movement of the arms and legs), and verbal response.
Glasgow coma scale
Eye opening
4 = Spontaneously
3 = To voice
2 = To pain
1 = No response
Best motor response
6 = Follows commands
5 = Localizes to pain
4 = Withdrawal to pain
3 = Decorticate
2 = Decerebrate
1 = No Response
Best verbal response
5 = Oriented and converses
4 = Disoriented and converses
3 = Inappropriate words
2 = Incomprehensible sounds
1 = No response
Rehabilitation centers may use a scale called the Rancho Levels. The Rancho scale measures levels of cognitive or mental functioning.
Rancho levels of cognitive functioning
No response to stimulation
Generalized response to stimulation
Localized response to stimulation
Confused, agitated behavior
Confused, inappropriate, nonagitated behavior
Confused, appropriate behavior
Automatic, appropriate behavior
Purposeful, appropriate behavior
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