What GCS score range indicates a moderate head injury?

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a neurological scale used to assess a patient's level of consciousness after a head injury and is crucial in determining the severity of the injury. A moderate head injury is indicated by a GCS score ranging from 9 to 12. This range reflects a situation where the patient exhibits a distinctly impaired level of consciousness, potentially being confused or lethargic but still able to respond to verbal stimuli, which often includes following simple commands or responding with appropriate words.

In contrast, scores lower than 9 typically denote severe head injuries, where the patient may exhibit minimal responsiveness, and scores higher than 12 indicate mild injuries, where patients are oriented and coherent. Understanding these score ranges helps healthcare providers determine the necessary interventions and the urgency of treatment, forming an essential component of the PALS protocol.