Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ======================== - according to original authors, use _best_ score (i.e., if exam is asymmetric, use best side). - periorbital edema: eye-opening score of 1 - intubated: verbal score of 1 - Prehospital GCS doesn't correlate with ultimate outcome at all; ED scores somewhat better but still poor. [Winkler, J Emerg Med, 1984] - Withdrawal vs flexor response: withdrawal is fast with abduction at shoulder. Some limb flexor spinal responses may remain even if brain dead. - Presby neurosurgery recommendations (Donald Marion, M.D., 3/92) Test after stable (respiratory, hemodynamic); 30-45 minutes after meds; use norcuron and Fentanyl instead of Versed to make neurosurgeon's evaluation more reliable; supraorbital nerve stimulus.