Which of the following is NOT part of the Glasgow Coma Scale?

• A. Eye opening
• B. Verbal response
• C. Motor response
• D. Pupillary size

Answer: (D)

The Glasgow Coma Scale measures level of consciousness using three observable responses: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Pupillary size is not part of the scale, though it’s an important neurologic sign that clinicians monitor separately for signs of brain injury or increased intracranial pressure. Because pupillary size and reactivity don’t contribute to the GCS score, it is the option describing pupillary size that is not included in the Glasgow Coma Scale. The other three—eye opening, verbal response, and motor response—are the components that are scored.