On-field or Immediate assessment - Step 4 - Glasgow Coma Scale
The Glasgow Coma Scale is used to identify mental deterioration. It is not included in the SCAT5© summary score but should be recorded during a sideline assessment for all players in case of subsequent neurological deterioration.
| Eyes | Voice | Motor | |
| 1 | No eye opening | No speech | No movement |
| 2 | Eyes to painful stimulus | Incoherent speech | Extending (Decerebrate) |
| 3 | Opens eyes to voice | Inappropriate words | Flexing (Decorticate) |
| 4 | Spontaneously opens eyes | Confused | Withdraws from painful stimulus |
| 5 | Orientated | Localised to painful stimulus | |
| 6 | Obeys commands |
A cervical spine assessment should be completed immediately with the athlete.
The 3 main areas of concern are:
- Does the athlete report pain at rest?
- If no, does the athlete have active pain free range of motion of the neck?
- Is the limb strength and sensation normal?