Modified Glasgow Coma Scale in head trauma
3-year-old cat that has fallen from a fifth floor. It arrives stuporous, with epistaxis, tachypnoea and pale mucous membranes.
Which statement about the modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) is correct?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. It assesses eye opening, verbal response and motor response, as in people
That is the human scale. The veterinary version replaces verbal response and eye opening with parameters applicable to animals.
B. A higher score indicates a worse prognosis
It is the other way round: the score ranges from 3 to 18 and low scores indicate greater severity and worse prognosis.
C. It assesses motor activity, brainstem reflexes and level of consciousness (3–18 points); its serial change guides prognosis
Correct. Each category scores 1 to 6. A low score in the first 48 hours is associated with lower survival, but repeating it to detect deterioration and adjust treatment is more useful than using it as a single value.
D. It should be calculated before treating shock, because hypotension does not alter the score
Hypovolaemia and hypoxaemia depress consciousness and worsen the score. Stabilise the cardiorespiratory system first, then assess and reassess the MGCS.
lightbulb Key takeaway
In traumatic brain injury, treat shock and hypoxaemia first (secondary injury), then apply the MGCS serially. Bilateral unresponsive mydriasis, declining consciousness or loss of oculocephalic reflexes indicate deterioration and require immediate action.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.