best motor response

Last reviewed 07/2021

  • grade 6 - obeying command:
    • the examiner asks the patient to do simple tasks
    • be careful not to accept a grasp reflex for this grade

  • grade 5 - localising response to pain:
    • this is the purposeful movement of a limb to remove a painful stimulus applied supra-orbitally

  • grade 4 - withdrawal response to pain:
    • pain in a limb results in purposeful withdrawal of the limb

  • grade 3 - abnormal flexor response to pain:
    • pain in a limb results in reflex flexion-withdrawal of the limb

  • grade 2 - extensor posturing to pain:
    • pain in a limb results in abnormal extension
    • in the upper limb this involves adduction, internal rotation of the shoulder and pronation of the forearm

  • grade 1 - no response to pain