A Glasgow Coma Scale of 10 indicates which level of head injury?

A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 10 indicates a moderate head injury. The GCS is a neurological scale used to assess a person’s level of consciousness following a head injury. It evaluates three aspects: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response, with each category being scored.

Scores on the GCS can range from a minimum of 3 (indicating deep unconsciousness) to a maximum of 15 (fully alert). A score of 13 to 15 is classified as a mild head injury, while a score of 9 to 12 indicates a moderate head injury. Therefore, a score of 10 falls squarely within the moderate range, suggesting some degree of impairment in consciousness that necessitates monitoring and potentially further medical intervention.

In contrast, scores below 8 are generally classified as severe head injuries, indicating significant impairment. This framework helps medical professionals assess the severity of head injuries and determine the appropriate course of treatment.