Coma scale, best motor response, obeys commands, at arrival to emergency department Save

Understanding the Coma Scale's Best Motor Response and Obeying Commands at Arrival to the Emergency Department

When patients arrive at the emergency department in a coma, medical professionals often utilize various assessment tools to evaluate their condition. One such tool is the Coma Scale, which helps determine the severity of the coma and guide appropriate medical interventions. Among the three components of the Coma Scale, the best motor response and the ability to obey commands play crucial roles in assessing the patient's neurological status.

1. Best Motor Response:

The best motor response is one of the key indicators used to determine a patient's level of consciousness. It assesses the patient's ability to move voluntarily and respond appropriately to stimuli. The Coma Scale categorizes the best motor response into six levels:

1. Obeys commands: Patients who reach this level can follow simple instructions, such as squeezing a hand or sticking out their tongue.
2. Localizes painful stimuli: Patients may move their limbs purposefully in response to painful stimuli.
3. Withdraws from painful stimuli: Patients may withdraw or move away from painful stimuli without purposeful movement.
4. Abnormal flexion (decorticate response): Patients exhibit abnormal posturing, where their arms are flexed toward their chest.
5. Extensor response (decerebrate response): Patients show abnormal extension of their limbs, indicating severe brainstem dysfunction.
6. No response: Patients do not exhibit any motor response to stimuli.

2. Obeying Commands:

Another critical aspect of assessing a comatose patient is gauging their ability to obey commands. This evaluation determines whether the patient can follow simple instructions given by medical professionals. When a patient obeys commands, it suggests a higher level of consciousness and responsiveness. This positive response can provide valuable insights into the patient's neurological function and potential treatment options.

Upon arrival at the emergency department, medical staff will use the Coma Scale to assess the patient's best motor response and ability to obey commands. These evaluations help determine the severity of the coma and guide subsequent medical interventions. It is important to remember that the Coma Scale is just one tool used in the initial evaluation, and additional tests and assessments may be required to establish a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.

Remember, if you or someone you know encounters a medical emergency, it is essential to seek immediate professional medical help.