A total GCS score of 11 corresponds to which level of brain injury severity?

A total GCS score of 11 corresponds to which level of brain injury severity?

• A. Mild
• B. Moderate
• C. Severe
• D. Critical

Answer: (B)

The Glasgow Coma Scale grades consciousness by adding scores from eye, verbal, and motor responses, with higher totals meaning milder impairment. Typical categories are mild (13–15), moderate (9–12), and severe (3–8). A total of 11 falls in the moderate range, indicating partial responsiveness rather than full alertness or deep unconsciousness. In this level, a patient is not fully awake but is not in a deep coma either. The term “critical” isn’t part of the standard GCS severity framework, so it isn’t used to describe this score. Therefore, moderate brain injury severity is the best fit.

The Glasgow Coma Scale grades consciousness by adding scores from eye, verbal, and motor responses, with higher totals meaning milder impairment. Typical categories are mild (13–15), moderate (9–12), and severe (3–8). A total of 11 falls in the moderate range, indicating partial responsiveness rather than full alertness or deep unconsciousness. In this level, a patient is not fully awake but is not in a deep coma either. The term “critical” isn’t part of the standard GCS severity framework, so it isn’t used to describe this score. Therefore, moderate brain injury severity is the best fit.