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Topic
TBI Severity Ratings: What "Mild" Means Clinically
By Jason Hicks
Start with
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
Use the section links to find the information most relevant to your situation.
Individual questions
Case-specific review
An attorney can address how the facts, evidence, deadlines, and governing law apply to a particular matter.
01
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
A "mild" traumatic brain injury classification describes aspects of the initial clinical presentation; it does not by itself predict how long symptoms will last or how they will affect a particular person.
The Glasgow Coma Scale is one early assessment tool that measures eye, verbal, and motor responses. Diagnosis and prognosis require evaluation by qualified medical professionals using the full clinical record.
| Initial classification | Commonly used GCS range | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Mild TBI | 13-15 | Symptoms and functional effects can still require follow-up evaluation. |
| Moderate TBI | 9-12 | Clinical findings, imaging, treatment, and recovery differ by patient. |
| Severe TBI | 3-8 | Immediate care needs and long-term prognosis are individual medical questions. |
02
Imaging Is One Part of the Record
Standard CT or MRI findings do not answer every question about concussion symptoms or function. A treating clinician may consider the history, examination, symptom course, imaging, testing, and other records together.
Depending on the medical issues, qualified professionals may consider tools such as:
- Advanced imaging: Used only when clinically appropriate and interpreted within its limitations.
- Neuropsychological testing: A structured assessment that may help evaluate cognitive function when ordered and interpreted by qualified professionals.
03
Possible Ongoing Effects
Some people report symptoms or functional changes after a traumatic brain injury. The nature, cause, duration, and treatment of those effects are individual medical questions.
- Persistent symptoms: Headache, dizziness, sleep problems, or sensory sensitivity may require follow-up care.
- Cognitive or emotional changes: Memory, concentration, mood, and behavior concerns should be evaluated by qualified clinicians.
- Functional effects: Work, school, driving, supervision, or daily activities may need case-specific assessment.
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.
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