Brain injury : [BI]
-
Brain injury : [BI] · May 2009
ReviewThe use of Glasgow Coma Scale in injury assessment: a critical review.
Patients with brain injuries are assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). This review evaluates the use of GCS scoring in medical literature and identifies the reasons for inaccuracy. LITERATURE SELECTION AND CRITICAL APPRAISAL: Pubmed and ISI Web of Knowledge SM were searched using specific keywords. The authors critically appraised the current state of GCS scoring, GCS definitions, the time and frequency of assessment, confounders, GCS reporting and GCS assessment schemes. ⋯ The current inconsistent and inappropriate use of GCS diminishes its reliability in both a clinical and a scientific context. A consensus statement is needed to correct this situation. Citing the correct references, early and repeated GCS assessments at defined intervals, standardized reporting of confounders and GCS component plus sum scores, and the utilization of a uniform assessment scheme are recommended.