What is the Glasgow Outcome Scale?

The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) is a 5-point ordinal scale developed in 1975 to describe outcomes after traumatic brain injury, ranging from death (1) to good recovery (5). It is one of the most widely used outcome measures in TBI research and clinical practice.

What is the difference between GOS and GOS-E?

The GOS-Extended (GOS-E) expands the scale to 8 levels by subdividing the upper three categories (severe disability, moderate disability, good recovery) into lower and upper sub-bands, providing greater sensitivity to detect clinical differences between patients.

When is the GOS typically assessed?

GOS is commonly assessed at hospital discharge and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-injury. The 6-month assessment is the most widely reported time point in research literature for characterizing long-term outcome.

Is this tool a replacement for clinical evaluation?

No. This tool is a reference aid only. GOS scoring must be performed by a qualified clinician based on direct patient evaluation, full medical history, and all relevant clinical information. It does not constitute medical advice.

What counts as "good recovery" on the GOS?

GOS level 5 (Good Recovery) indicates the patient has resumed normal life with minor neurological or psychological deficits. They may have persisting minor deficits, but these do not prevent resumption of normal occupational and social activities.

Glasgow Outcome Scale

Name: Glasgow Outcome Scale
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Select a GOS level to get its clinical description, functional status, and interpretation for traumatic brain injury outcomes.

Select GOS Level

Click a level to view its clinical criteria and interpretation.

Note: This tool is for reference only. GOS scoring requires direct clinical evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider.

Select a GOS level on the left to view its description.

GOS Quick Reference

Level	Name	Summary

Summary

Select a GOS level to get its clinical description, functional status, and interpretation for traumatic brain injury outcomes.

How it works

Select a GOS level (1–5) from the scale.
The tool displays the level name, clinical criteria, and functional description.
Review the color-coded outcome band to understand severity.
Use the interpretation panel for documentation or reporting context.
Compare all levels in the summary table for quick reference.

Use cases

Documenting TBI patient outcomes at discharge or follow-up.
Standardizing neurological outcome reporting in clinical trials.
Teaching medical students or residents the GOS classification.
Comparing patient cohorts in retrospective chart review.
Quick bedside reference for neurosurgery or neurology rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu