GCS and severity of TBI

Q: The severity of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is defined by a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score less than ___________. 

Answer; 9

Strictly by definition, a GCS <9 is considered  'severe TBI' and calls for intubation. 

That said, a clinician's assessment and judgment often supersede many decisions.

  

#neuro-surgery

#trauma

References:

1. Foulkes MA, Eisenberg HM, Jane JA, et al. The Traumatic Coma Data Bank: design, methods, and baseline characteristics. J Neurosurg 1991; 75:S8.

2. Carney N, Totten AM, O'Reilly C, et al. Guidelines for the Management of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, Fourth Edition. Neurosurgery 2017; 80:6.