Simplified Motor Score (SMS)
Simplified 3-level assessment of motor response as a rapid screening tool for traumatic brain injury severity. Derived from the motor component of GCS.
Score interpretation
SMS 2: Obeys commands. Low risk of severe TBI.
→ Apply clinical context. Consider full GCS and CT criteria (NICE, Canadian CT Head Rule) for further imaging decisions.
SMS 1: Localises pain. Possible moderate TBI.
→ Full neurological assessment. CT head. Senior review. Continuous neurological obs.
SMS 0: Withdraws or worse. High risk of severe TBI.
→ Airway protection priority. CT head urgently. Neurosurgery team involvement. ICU. Same sensitivity as GCS ≤ 14 for predicting CT abnormalities.
Interpretation bands for the Simplified Motor Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Gill M, et al. A comparison of the Glasgow Coma Scale score to simplified alternative scores for the prediction of traumatic brain injury outcomes. Ann Emerg Med. 2005;45(1):37–42.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Tranexamic Acid (ICU/Trauma/Surgical) · Antifibrinolytic
- Cetuximab · Anti-EGFR Monoclonal Antibody — Head and Neck Cancer
- Cisplatin · Platinum Chemotherapy — Head and Neck Cancer
- Methotrexate · Chemotherapy / Immunosuppressant — Head and Neck / Granulomatosis
- Pembrolizumab (Head and Neck SCC) · PD-1 Inhibitor
- Nivolumab (Head and Neck SCC) · PD-1 Inhibitor
- Acute Stroke / TIA Assessment · NICE NG128; RCP Stroke Guidelines 2023
- Status Epilepticus (Adults) · NICE CG137; ESEM guidelines; RCP Neurology Guidelines
- Suspected Subarachnoid Haemorrhage · NICE NG228; RCEM 2023; AHA/ASA 2023
- Adult Head Injury · NICE NG232 (2023)
- Bell's Palsy / Facial Nerve Palsy · ENT UK 2017; AAN
- Vertigo Workup · ENT UK; NICE CKS
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.