Withdrawal from pain during motor assessment corresponds to which motor score?

• A. 6
• B. 5
• C. 4
• D. 3

Answer: (C)

In motor assessment on the Glasgow Coma Scale, you apply a painful stimulus and observe the limb’s reaction. Withdrawal from pain means the limb pulls away quickly from the stimulus—a protective reflex that shows some motor function but is not directed toward removing the source of pain. This pattern is distinct from localizing to pain (intentional movement toward the source) and from abnormal posturing like decorticate or decerebrate responses (which are more reflexive and less purposeful). So, withdrawal from pain corresponds to that mid-upper motor level: more than no movement, less than localizing or obeying commands. That’s why this option matches the described response.