Revisiting the Eye Opening Response of the Glasgow Coma Scale
Author Information
Author(s): Rabiu Taopheeq Bamidele
Primary Institution: University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
Hypothesis
Can the eye closure response in some traumatic brain injury patients be considered an equivalent to the eye opening response in the Glasgow Coma Scale?
Conclusion
A subset of traumatic brain injury patients exhibits a non-conventional eye closure response to pain that does not fit into the current Glasgow Coma Scale.
Supporting Evidence
- The Glasgow Coma Scale has been widely accepted for evaluating consciousness in traumatic brain injury patients.
- Some patients with traumatic brain injury exhibit unexpected eye closure in response to pain.
- The study suggests that a revision of the Glasgow Coma Scale may be necessary.
Takeaway
Some patients with brain injuries close their eyes when they should open them in response to pain, which might mean we need to change how we measure consciousness.
Methodology
The study suggests a prospective observational approach to define the characteristics of patients with eye closure response.
Limitations
The study does not provide specific factors distinguishing patients who close their eyes from those who open them in response to pain.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website