Glasgow Coma Scale: assessing consciousness for 50 years

Abstract

The Glasgow Coma Scale, developed in 1974 by Teasdale and Jennett, has become a fundamental clinical tool in assessing consciousness and neurological response in patients with brain injuries or altered states of consciousness. Over the years, the Glasgow Coma Scale has undergone various modifications to improve its accuracy and applicability. In 2018, an enhanced version emerged, called the Glasgow Coma Scale with Pupillary Response, which included an additional criterion for assessing pupillary reactivity. The purpose of this article is to explore the temporal development of the Glasgow Coma Scale, its applications, and evolution over time. It is evident that the Glasgow Coma Scale continues to be an indispensable tool for assessing patients with altered consciousness, standing out for its simplicity and effectiveness. Its importance and adaptability in the medical field suggest that it will continue to evolve along with advances in medicine.