What does the Glasgow Coma Scale measure?

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a clinical tool designed to assess a patient's level of consciousness following a brain injury or other neurological event. It specifically measures three key responses: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Each of these components provides valuable information about the patient's neurological status and helps healthcare providers evaluate the severity of the brain injury.

Eye opening assesses whether and how a patient responds to stimuli, which can indicate the level of alertness. Verbal response measures the patient's ability to speak and communicate, which can reflect their cognitive function and orientation. Motor response evaluates how a patient reacts to commands or painful stimuli, providing insight into their neurological functioning and potential motor impairments.

This comprehensive assessment is essential in clinical settings, allowing for effective monitoring over time and informing further treatment decisions. While the other options mention various aspects of human function, none encompass the specific components measured by the Glasgow Coma Scale.