Terminology for Head Trauma in TBI
| GCS | Terminology | Clinical definitions and background | Most reported symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤8 | Severe brain injury | LOC > 6 h, PTA > 24 h | Mobility problems, spasticity, weakness or paralysis, ataxia, sensory impairment, fatigue, speech difficulties, epilepsy |
| 9–12 | Moderate brain injury | LOC between 15 min and 6 h or PTA for up to 24 h | Tiredness; headaches; dizziness; difficulties with thinking, planning, organizing, memory, concentration, and word finding; irritability; anxiety |
| 13–15 | Mild brain injury (concussion) | LOC < 15 min PTA < 1 h | Dizziness, nausea, confusion, inability to process or retain information, sensitivity to light, vision distortion |
| Subconcussive impacts | Short LOC or no LOC, Short PTA, or no PTA | Asymptomatic |
LOC = loss of consciousness; PTA = posttraumatic amnesia.
Adapted from “Advanced Trauma Life Support: Course for Physicians,” American College of Surgeons, 1993. There is no overall consensus on optimal definitions for brain injury with varying levels of severity. Most studies integrated in this review adhered to listed definitions.