Determining the Level of a Brain Injury

When a brain injury is suspected, health care professionals must assess the severity of the injury in order to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

The Glasgow Coma Scale is most often used to determine whether a brain injury is mild, moderate or severe.  These classifications are significant as they provide important information about the necessary immediate treatment plan and the expected recovery for the patient.
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is used to assess a patient’s ability to perform a specific set of actions. The more the patient is able to do, the higher the score and the less severe the injury.

An initial GCS score of eight or less is classified as a severe brain injury. The GSC score for a moderate brain injury is between nine and thirteen. A GCS score of thirteen or greater indicates a mild brain injury, or concussion.

In the weeks and months following the initial injury and treatment, a secondary scale called the Rancho Los Amigos Scale is most often used in assessing the patient. The Rancho Los Amigos does not require cooperation from the patient, but are based on observations of the patient's response to external stimuli.

They provide a straightforward guideline of the various stages a brain injury patient will experience as he/she progresses through recovery.
The Rancho Los Amigos Scale provides an understanding of the eight levels and provides understanding of the progression a brain injured person makes through recovery and rehabilitation.

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