A pair of professors at the University of Glasgow developed the Glasgow Coma Scale in 1974. The scale was the first to provide doctors with a system to quickly assess the seriousness of brain and head trauma. Since the scale was published it has become the standard for assessing head injuries in most countries. A score of 9 on the scale can be a relief to the loved ones of those who have suffered head injuries.
Significance
A Glasgow score of 9 indicates that the scores of the patient's best eye, verbal and motor responses add up to a sum of 9. The significance of the number in the assessment of brain injuries is that it's considered the borderline between moderate brain injuries and severe brain injuries. In many cases, a patient with a score of 9 is not in a coma, while a patient with a score of 8 is in a coma.
Method
To figure the Glasgow score, a doctor first determines the patient's response to eye stimulus---a spontaneous opening of the eyes gets a four, while no response gets a one. Then, he tests the patient's response to motor stimulation, with obeying verbal commands scoring a six and having no response earning a one. Finally, he tests the patient's response to verbal commands, ranging from a five for being oriented and conversational to a one for no response.
In Kids
The Glasgow Scale can be modified to assess head injuries in children. The pediatric part of the scale takes into account an infant's inability to communicate verbally or obey simple commands. A score of nine, though, still indicates the borderline between a comatose patient and a non-comatose patient.
Use
Both emergency medical technicians and emergency room doctors and nurses use the scale to make an assessment of the patient's condition. Doctors will also continue to use the scale once the patient is admitted, but usually only during the acute care phase of the patient's stay.
Long-Term Prognosis
Braininjury.net notes recovery for every brain injury is different, which is why it's not advisable to rely solely on the Glasgow scale for a prognosis. That said, the score assessed 24 hours after injury can give an indication to the extent of patient's recovery process. Generally, the lower the Glasgow score after 24 hours, the less chance there is for the patient to fully recover.
Tags: brain injuries, Glasgow score, head injuries, patient response, borderline between, Coma Scale
