Which component of the Glasgow Coma Scale has a maximum score of 6?

Question

Accepted Answer

B. Motor Response. ## Components of the Glasgow Coma Scale

**Key Point:** The GCS comprises three components, each with a different maximum score. Motor Response has the highest maximum (6), followed by Verbal Response (5) and Eye Opening (4).

### GCS Component Breakdown

| Component | Maximum Score | Minimum Score | Total Range |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Eye Opening (E) | 4 | 1 | 1–4 |
| Verbal Response (V) | 5 | 1 | 1–5 |
| Motor Response (M) | 6 | 1 | 1–6 |
| **Total GCS** | **15** | **3** | **3–15** |

**High-Yield:** Motor Response is the most sensitive component for detecting deterioration in consciousness. It is scored from 1 (no response) to 6 (obeys commands), and changes in motor score often precede changes in other components.

**Clinical Pearl:** Pupillary reactivity is NOT part of the GCS; it is assessed separately as part of the neurological examination. Fixed, dilated pupils suggest severe brainstem injury or herniation but do not contribute to the GCS score.

**Mnemonic:** **E-V-M = 4-5-6** — Eye (4), Verbal (5), Motor (6). The Motor component has the highest score because it is the most discriminatory for assessing level of consciousness.

![Head Injury — GCS and Management diagram](https://mmcphlazjonnzmdysowq.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/explanation/4127.webp)

Answer

A. Verbal Response

Answer

C. Pupillary Reactivity

Answer

D. Eye Opening

Which component of the Glasgow Coma Scale has a maximum score of 6?

Explanation

Components of the Glasgow Coma Scale

GCS Component Breakdown

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Component	Maximum Score	Minimum Score	Total Range
Eye Opening (E)	4	1	1–4
Verbal Response (V)	5	1	1–5
Motor Response (M)	6	1	1–6
Total GCS	15	3	3–15