How are brain injuries rated by doctors?

Doctors rate brain injuries using three levels: mild, moderate and severe. The most commonly used rating scale is the Glasgow Coma Scale, which helps physicians figure out how responsive a victim is to behavioral measures. The Glasgow Outcome Scale determines the likely prognosis of the injury. The Rancho Los Amigos Scale assesses consciousness, receptivity and responsiveness.

The full effects of a brain injury cannot be known until a patient has completed treatment and begun rehabilitation.