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Personal Injury
By Jason Hicks | Updated: January 8, 2026
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The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
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01
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
In the legal and medical worlds, the term "Mild TBI" is used for any brain injury where the loss of consciousness was less than 30 minutes. But for the victim suffering from memory loss and mood swings, the impact is anything but mild.
First responders use the GCS to grade the severity of a brain injury at the scene. It measures eye, verbal, and motor responses.
| Severity | GCS Score | Typical Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Mild TBI | 13-15 | Brief confusion, "dazed," headache, nausea. MRI often normal. |
| Moderate TBI | 9-12 | Loss of consciousness > 30 mins, confusion lasting days. Physical damage likely visible. |
| Severe TBI | 3-8 | Coma, vegetative state, requires life support. Permanent disability likely. |
02
The Myth of the "Normal" MRI
For Mild TBI (Concussion), standard CT scans and MRIs often come back "normal." This is because the damage is microscopic—shearing of axons—rather than bleeding. Insurance companies love this. They say, "Look, the scan is negative, you're fine."
We prove them wrong using:
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI): Detecting water movement abnormalities in white matter.
- Neuropsychological Testing: Documenting deficits in processing speed and memory.
03
Long-Term Consequences (Sequelae)
Brain injuries are not static events; they are chronic conditions. Victims often develop:
- Post-Concussion Syndrome: Symptoms persisting for months or years.
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): Degenerative brain disease (often found in NFL players).
- Increased Dementia Risk: Seniors with TBI are far more likely to develop Alzheimer's.
Review Lifetime Care Issues
Brain-injury claims may involve medical treatment, lost productivity, supervision needs, and future-care planning. Attorney review should examine the full record before settlement decisions.
Request Case ReviewAbout the Author
Jason Hicks works with leading neurologists to defend the rights of TBI survivors. He understands that a "negative" MRI does not mean the injury isn't real.