What GCS score indicates a severe head injury?

A GCS score of 8 or below indicates a severe head injury. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a clinical scale used to assess a patient's level of consciousness after a traumatic brain injury. The scale ranges from 3 to 15, where a lower score signifies a more severe impairment of consciousness.

When a patient scores 8 or below, it reflects a state of reduced responsiveness and severe impairment in their ability to respond to stimuli or maintain consciousness. This threshold is critical for clinical decision-making, as it often signifies the need for immediate interventions, such as airway management or intensive monitoring, to prevent further complications from a significant head injury.

In contrast, scores of 15 or above indicate full consciousness, while scores between 9 and 12 signify a moderate level of impairment. A score of 13 or above would also imply that the patient is relatively alert and able to respond effectively, thus not falling within the category of severe head injury.