A Glasgow Coma Scale score between 9 and 12 represents which level of brain injury?

A Glasgow Coma Scale score between 9 and 12 represents which level of brain injury?

• A. Mild brain injury with near-normal function.
• B. Normal cognitive function.
• C. Moderate brain injury, significant impairment in responsiveness.
• D. Severe brain injury requiring intubation.

Answer: (C)

The Glasgow Coma Scale divides scores into three levels of brain injury: mild (13–15), moderate (9–12), and severe (3–8). A score of 9 to 12 indicates a moderate brain injury with noticeable impairment in responsiveness, but not a deep coma. This level means the person is less than fully oriented or responsive compared with normal function (which would be a 15), yet retains some ability to respond to stimuli. Severe injury is a lower range (3–8) and often requires airway protection, sometimes with intubation. So the description that fits 9–12 is a moderate brain injury with significant impairment in responsiveness.

The Glasgow Coma Scale divides scores into three levels of brain injury: mild (13–15), moderate (9–12), and severe (3–8). A score of 9 to 12 indicates a moderate brain injury with noticeable impairment in responsiveness, but not a deep coma. This level means the person is less than fully oriented or responsive compared with normal function (which would be a 15), yet retains some ability to respond to stimuli. Severe injury is a lower range (3–8) and often requires airway protection, sometimes with intubation. So the description that fits 9–12 is a moderate brain injury with significant impairment in responsiveness.