Coma, brain death and GCS

Question 1

What is a coma

Answer 1

Prolonged period of unarousable unconsciousness

Question 2

What scale can be used to measure a coma

Answer 2

Glasgow coma scale

Question 3

What are the 3 scoring components of the Glasgow coma scale

Answer 3

• Eye opening (E) /4
• Motor response (M) /6
• Verbal response (V) /5

Question 4

What is the scoring range for the GCS

Answer 4

• Minimum = 3/15
• Maximum = 15/15

Question 5

Describe a coma using the GCS

Answer 5

• Failure of eyes to open to stimuli
• Motor response no better than simple withdrawal-type movements
• verbal response no better than simple vocalisation of non-word sounds
  (E1, M4, V2)

Question 6

When is airway support needed according to the GCS and why

Answer 6

score 8/15 and below
* Risk of airway obstruction or aspiration leading to hypoxia and brain injury

Question 7

The ‘AVPU scale’ is used to measure and record a patient’s level of consciousness. What does each letter stand for

Answer 7

• Alert
• responsive to Voice
• responsive only to Pain
• Unresponsive

Question 8

Give 4 causes of a coma

Answer 8

• Drugs and toxins eg opiates
• Head injury
• Seizures
• Hypoglycaemia

Question 9

What is brain death

Answer 9

Irreversible, total destruction of all brainstem function, including the capacity for alertness, cranial nerve functions, and apnoea