For what purpose is the Glasgow Coma Scale primarily used?

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is primarily used to assess a patient's level of consciousness. This scale provides a reliable and objective way to gauge the neurological status of individuals, particularly in critical care settings. It evaluates three scales of response: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Each category is scored based on the patient's observable behaviors, and the total score helps clinicians quickly determine the degree of impairment.

The GCS is crucial in identifying changes in consciousness that may indicate underlying issues such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other neurological emergencies. By regularly monitoring and documenting GCS scores, healthcare providers can track the patient's progress or deterioration, which informs treatment decisions and interventions. Thus, its primary role is focused on assessing consciousness rather than evaluating physiological or metabolic functions like heart rate variability, kidney function, or blood oxygen levels.