Paediatric Coma Scale
(Simpson & Reilly )

Adjustment to age

• During the first 6 months
  • The best verbal response is normally a cry, though some infants make vocal responses during this period. Normal verbal score expected is 2.
  • The best motor response is usually flexion. Normal motor score expected is 3.
• 6 to 12 months
  • The normal infant makes noises : normal verbal score expected is 3.
  • The infant will usually locate pain but not obeys commands : normal motor score expected is 4.
• 12 months to 2 years
  • Recognizable words are expected: Normal verbal score expected is 4.
  • The infant will usually locate pain but not obeys commands : normal motor score expected is 4.
• 2 years to 5 years
  • Recognizable words are expected : normal verbal score expected is 4.
  • The infant will usually obeys commands : normal motor score expected is 5.
• After 5 years
  • Orientation is defined as awareness of being in hospital : normal verbal score expected is 5.

 

Normal aggregate score

0-6 months:	9
> 6 - 12 months:	11
> 1 - 2 years :	12
>2 - 5 years:	13
> 5 years:	14

 

 References

• Simpson D, Reilly P. Paediatric Coma Scale. Lancet 1982;2:450.
• Reilly P, Simpson D and al. Assessing the conscious level in infants and young children : a paediatric version of the Glasgow Coma Scale. Child's Nerv Syst 1988;4:30-3.