Which Glasgow Coma Scale motor score corresponds to localizing to pain?

Which Glasgow Coma Scale motor score corresponds to localizing to pain?

• A. 6
• B. 5
• C. 4
• D. 3

Answer: (B)

Localizing to pain means the patient deliberately moves toward the source of the painful stimulus to remove or locate it, showing purposeful motor activity. In the Glasgow Coma Scale, motor responses are scored from 6 to 1: 6 = obeys commands, 5 = localizes to pain, 4 = withdraws from pain, 3 = abnormal flexion (decorticate), 2 = extension (decerebrate), 1 = no movement. So the motor score that corresponds to localizing to pain is five. This reflects a higher level of motor function than simple withdrawal or posturing, but not as high as following commands. For contrast, withdrawal is a defensive, away-from-stimulus movement, not directed toward the source.

Localizing to pain means the patient deliberately moves toward the source of the painful stimulus to remove or locate it, showing purposeful motor activity. In the Glasgow Coma Scale, motor responses are scored from 6 to 1: 6 = obeys commands, 5 = localizes to pain, 4 = withdraws from pain, 3 = abnormal flexion (decorticate), 2 = extension (decerebrate), 1 = no movement. So the motor score that corresponds to localizing to pain is five. This reflects a higher level of motor function than simple withdrawal or posturing, but not as high as following commands. For contrast, withdrawal is a defensive, away-from-stimulus movement, not directed toward the source.