Which of the following is a score for "Abnormal Flexion" in the motor response section of the GCS?

Which of the following is a score for "Abnormal Flexion" in the motor response section of the GCS?

• A. 6
• B. 5
• C. 3
• D. 1

Answer: (C)

In the context of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), motor responses are scored based on the patient's ability to follow commands, localize pain, withdraw from pain, or exhibit abnormal flexion or extension. The score for "Abnormal Flexion," also known as "decorticate posturing," is assigned a value of 3. This indicates that while the patient does respond to stimulus in a manner that suggests some level of neurological function, the response is inadequate and not indicative of purposeful movement. The scoring for the motor response section is as follows: a score of 6 represents normal movement, 5 indicates withdrawal from pain, 4 indicates purposeful movement toward a stimulus, 3 denotes abnormal flexion, and 2 indicates abnormal extension. A score of 1 indicates no motor response at all. Therefore, "Abnormal Flexion" being rated as a 3 reflects a significant but limited response that can be observed in certain neurological conditions, indicating a preservation of some brain activity but also considerable impairment. This distinction is crucial for assessing the severity of the patient's condition and guiding further medical intervention.

In the context of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), motor responses are scored based on the patient's ability to follow commands, localize pain, withdraw from pain, or exhibit abnormal flexion or extension. The score for "Abnormal Flexion," also known as "decorticate posturing," is assigned a value of 3. This indicates that while the patient does respond to stimulus in a manner that suggests some level of neurological function, the response is inadequate and not indicative of purposeful movement.

The scoring for the motor response section is as follows: a score of 6 represents normal movement, 5 indicates withdrawal from pain, 4 indicates purposeful movement toward a stimulus, 3 denotes abnormal flexion, and 2 indicates abnormal extension. A score of 1 indicates no motor response at all. Therefore, "Abnormal Flexion" being rated as a 3 reflects a significant but limited response that can be observed in certain neurological conditions, indicating a preservation of some brain activity but also considerable impairment. This distinction is crucial for assessing the severity of the patient's condition and guiding further medical intervention.