Which of the following is not a component of the Glasgow Coma Scale?

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

Answer: (A)

The Glasgow Coma Scale measures level of consciousness using three observable domains: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Eye opening looks at whether the person can open their eyes and how spontaneously or in response to stimuli. Verbal response assesses speech and orientation, from being fully oriented to making incomprehensible sounds. Motor response evaluates purposeful movement in response to commands or painful stimuli. Pupillary response, while important in neurological evaluation, is not part of the Glasgow Coma Scale. It reflects brainstem function and cranial nerve integrity but does not contribute to the GCS score. Therefore, pupillary response is not a component of the scale, whereas eye opening, verbal response, and motor response are.