According to the Glasgow Coma Scale, what score range indicates a mild injury?

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a clinical tool used to assess a patient's level of consciousness after a traumatic brain injury. The scale ranges from 3 to 15, with higher scores indicating a better neurological function. A score of 13-15 represents the range for mild injury.

When a patient scores within this range, it indicates that they are alert, aware, and able to respond appropriately to stimuli. Specifically, a score of 13-15 means that the patient has full orientation and can follow commands, which are key indicators of mild head injury. This scoring is crucial in emergency settings to guide treatment and intervention, as well as to help predict outcomes.

In contrast, scores below this range indicate varying degrees of increasing severity of brain injury. A score of 3-8 signifies a severe injury, showing a very limited or absent response, while a score of 9-12 reflects a moderate level of injury, with partial responses but not full consciousness. Therefore, identifying a score of 13-15 as indicating a mild injury is essential for appropriate management and prognosis in trauma patients.