Efficacy of the Glasgow Coma Scale in Determining the Severity of Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Mr. D, a 52-year-old male, was in an un-helmeted motorcycle collision with a concrete barrier resulting in polytrauma and traumatic brain injury. Mr. D was assessed by emergency services to be unresponsive with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 13. He sustained an open skull injury, subdural hematoma, multiple facial fractures, and traumatic vitreous humor hemorrhage with unresponsive, dilated pupils. He received CT and X-ray imaging before undergoing multiple surgeries for repair and debridement of injuries. After being weaned off sedation, he entered a state of post-traumatic amnesia lasting two months. Fifteen days post- accident, he began a regimen of amantadine to stimulate interaction and participation in physical therapy. Mr. D remained for two months until he progressed with physical therapy and was independent with his mobility. He was admitted to an inpatient traumatic brain injury facility because he was mentally unable to care for himself.