## Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Classification **Key Point:** Severe head injury is defined as GCS ≤ 8, which mandates intubation for airway protection and ICU admission. ### GCS Severity Stratification | GCS Score | Severity | Management Implication | | --- | --- | --- | | 13–15 | Mild | Observation, CT if indicated | | 9–12 | Moderate | ICU admission, frequent neuro checks | | ≤ 8 | Severe | Intubation, ICU, neurosurgical evaluation | **High-Yield:** A GCS of 8 or less indicates inability to protect airway and is the threshold for endotracheal intubation in head injury. This is a critical cutoff in ATLS and trauma protocols. **Clinical Pearl:** The GCS comprises three components: Eye opening (E, 1–4), Verbal response (V, 1–5), and Motor response (M, 1–6). A score of 8 typically means E2–3, V2–3, M5–6 — indicating severe impairment of consciousness. **Mnemonic:** **SEVERE = 8 or less** — remember this as the threshold for intubation in head injury. 
Sign up free to access AI-powered MCQ practice with detailed explanations and adaptive learning.