Efficiency of the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS)-Score for the long-term follow-up after severe brain injuries

The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS)-Score is the most widely used instrument for measuring outcome in head injury research. Its reliability is seen controversial because of its simplicity. The study analyzes the correlation between the levels 3 to 5 of recovery to medical data, psychology and quality of life (QOL) 4 to 8 years after the accident. 34 patients, suffered from a severe brain injury (BI) 4 to 8 years ago, were reexamined by a psychological test battery and by evaluating of QOL (using self developed items for private and social activity). Test results and GOS-Score additionally were correlated to data from the phase of intensive care. Patients, still alive 4 to 8 years after injury, ranged mainly between the GOS-Scores 3 to 5 of recovery. Consequently, other scores (like Ranchos los Amigos, Barthel Index, GOAT) failed in measuring the outcome after such a long time. Different parameters from the phase of intensive care correlate significantly with the patients GOS-Score: coma length, isolated brain injury versus additional extracranial injury, compression of the basal cisternes on the initial CCT. Different psychological test results and the patients quality of life correlate significantly with the GOS-Scores from 3-5. These correlations could be shown in xy and yx-direction by different mathematical models. It is concluded, that GOS-levels 3-5 of recovery correlate to the essential medical data from the initial phase after the accident and to a detailed psychological evaluation years after injury.