Last update:
19-Mar-2025

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is widely accepted as the main clinical tool for the assessment of the level of consciousness. Its reliability and validity are well established, since it is taken into account for decision-making in many pathologies affecting the nervous system. Nevertheless, its application in clinical practice lacks standardization and consistency among healthcare professionals. This phenomenon is also common in Greece. In the current review, the most recent literature on the application rules of the scale is summarized, the key-points are highlighted, and a critical evaluation of the GCS is carried out. Furthermore, in order to be utilized by Greek-speaking healthcare professionals, an updated Greek version of the scale is presented, which has been previously assessed for its reliability and validity. The consistent application of the Greek version of the GCS is expected to further contribute to the improvement of healthcare quality services in Greece.

Key words: Clinical evaluation, Glasgow Coma Scale, Level of consciousness, Neurological assessment.