What does a score of 3-16 on the Glasgow Coma Scale indicate?

A score of 3-16 on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) indicates varying levels of consciousness and responsiveness in a patient. A score in the range of 3-8 typically signifies severe brain injury and is associated with a lack of responsiveness to stimuli. This range suggests a critical decrease in neurological functioning, where the patient may not be able to open their eyes, respond verbally, or move in response to stimuli. As the scale progresses up to 15, it reflects increasing levels of consciousness and responsiveness, with 15 indicating full alertness.

In this context, while scores of 9-12 may suggest moderate impairment and 13-15 indicate mild brain injury or confusion, a score specifically in the lower range clearly delineates a situation of severe brain injury. Thus, a GCS score of 3-16, when focusing on the lower end of that spectrum, predominantly indicates severe brain injury, aligning with the correct answer.