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== Blantyre Coma Scale ==

The '''Blantyre Coma Scale''' (pronunciation: /ˈblæntaɪər/ /koʊmə/ /skeɪl/) is a modification of the [[Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale]], designed to assess the level of consciousness in children who are younger than 5 years old. It was developed in 1997 by researchers at the [[Blantyre]] Malawi hospital, hence the name.

=== Etymology ===

The term "Blantyre Coma Scale" is named after the city of Blantyre in Malawi, where the scale was first developed and implemented. The word "coma" is derived from the Greek word "koma," which means deep sleep, and "scale" is from the Old Norse word "skāla," meaning bowl, often used metaphorically in Old English in senses of "measure, standard of measurement."

=== Description ===

The Blantyre Coma Scale uses three simple clinical signs and was designed specifically for use in situations where healthcare professionals may not be present, such as in the developing world. The scale is less detailed than the Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale, but it has been found to be similarly predictive of patient outcome.

The scale comprises three tests: motor response, verbal response, and eye movement. Each test is scored from 0 to 2, with 2 being the best response. The scores are then added together to give a final score out of 6.

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Coma]]: A state of deep unconsciousness that lasts for a prolonged or indefinite period, caused especially by severe injury or illness.
* [[Glasgow Coma Scale]]: A neurological scale which aims to give a reliable and objective way of recording the conscious state of a person for initial as well as subsequent assessment.
* [[Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale]]: A version of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) intended for use in children too young to accurately report their levels of consciousness.

=== See Also ===

* [[Consciousness]]
* [[Neurology]]
* [[Pediatrics]]

[[Category:Medical scales]]
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]

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