What is indicated by a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3?

A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3 indicates a comatose state, which is the lowest possible score on the scale. The GCS assesses a patient's level of consciousness based on three criteria: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Each of these criteria is scored, and a total score of 3 reflects the absence of all these responses, meaning the patient does not open their eyes, does not speak, and does not have any purposeful movement in response to stimuli.

This score suggests a critical condition and often necessitates immediate medical intervention. It signals a complete lack of responsiveness, which is characteristic of severe brain damage or profound unconsciousness. In contrast, scores higher than 3 indicate varying levels of consciousness ranging from severe to normal. Therefore, a GCS score of 3 unequivocally signifies a comatose state.