## Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Classification in Head Injury **Key Point:** Severe head injury is defined as GCS ≤ 8. This threshold mandates airway protection and ICU-level monitoring. ### GCS Score Stratification | GCS Range | Severity | Management Implication | | --- | --- | --- | | 13–15 | Mild | Observation, CT if high-risk features | | 9–12 | Moderate | ICU monitoring, consider intubation | | ≤ 8 | Severe | Intubate, airway protection mandatory, ICU care | **High-Yield:** A GCS of 8 or less indicates inability to protect the airway and is the threshold for **immediate intubation** in trauma protocols. This is a critical decision point in ATLS. **Clinical Pearl:** The GCS is calculated as Eye Opening (E: 1–4) + Verbal Response (V: 1–5) + Motor Response (M: 1–6). A score of 8 represents the minimum sum at which airway reflexes are considered unreliable. **Mnemonic:** **SEVERE = 8 or less** — Remember that GCS ≤ 8 = **S**evere, requiring **E**ndotracheal intubation and **V**entilatory support in an **E**mergency **R**oom or **E**mergency ICU setting. 
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