A head-injured patient is assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale. He opens his eyes to painful stimulus, makes incomprehensible sounds, and withdraws his limb from pain. What is his GCS score?
- A GCS 8 ✓
- B GCS 7
- C GCS 6
- D GCS 9
Correct answer: A. GCS 8
Explanation
Eye opening to pain scores E2, incomprehensible sounds score V2, and withdrawal from pain scores M4, giving a total of 8. The best distractor is GCS 7, which arises if the motor response is wrongly scored as abnormal flexion (M3); withdrawal is specifically localising away from the stimulus and scores 4. C GCS of 8 or less defines severe head injury and mandates airway protection.
Reference: ATLS Advanced Trauma Life Support Student Course Manual, 10th ed.
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