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The Glasgow Outcome Scale is used to assess a patient’s recovery from a traumatic brain injury or stroke, with scores ranging from one to five indicating the level of disability. It is not used for treatment planning, but as a shorthand reference for physicians and organizations. The related Glasgow Coma Scale is used to assess patients at the time of injury and during recovery.
The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), named for the city in which it was developed, is a scale that is used to assess a patient during and after recovery from a traumatic brain injury, stroke or similar neurological insult. This scale is not used in developing treatment plans, but rather serves as a quick reference that can be used to demonstrate how well the patient has recovered. It should not be confused with the Glasgow Coma Scale, a similar but slightly different scale which will be discussed in more detail below.
Patients are scored between one and five on the Glasgow Outcome Scale once they have achieved good recovery. In some regions, the scores range from worst to best, while in others the scale is reversed. The worst possible outcome is, of course, death, while the best outcome is a full recovery. Patients may also be given a score indicating moderate disability, meaning they can live independently and engage in many activities, but experience some impairments.
Someone scored a three on the Glasgow Outcome Scale is considered to have a ‘severe disability’ which may require institutionalisation, a live-in care provider or other measures. These individuals experience severe impairments as a result of their neurological injuries and are unable to handle many daily activities, including self-care. The term “vegetative state” is used to refer to a patient who is alive but unresponsive, although it is important to note that some people diagnosed in a vegetative state actually have the blocked syndrome, and are in fact very conscious and aware.
Physicians use the Glasgow Outcome Scale to rate treatment success and to have a quick shorthand in a patient’s file that will provide a reference for those wanting information on how well the patient is functioning. The Glasgow Outcome Scale can also be used in assessments to determine eligibility for care by government and organizations that assist people who have experienced traumatic brain injury.
The related Glasgow Coma Scale is used to assess patients at the time of injury and at various stages during recovery and can be used for all acute and trauma patients, not just those with obvious neurological lesions. Patients are assigned a score between three (dead or unresponsive) and 15 (fully conscious) on this scale. This score is determined by evaluating the patient’s eye responsiveness, the patient’s ability to vocalize, and the patient’s ability to move.
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