The full outline of unresponsiveness score on admission predicts outcome in bacterial meningitis

Takeaway

• Although the full outline of unresponsiveness (FOUR) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores both predict outcome in adults with bacterial meningitis, GCS is driven solely by the motor score, while motor, brainstem and respiratory items are predictive for the FOUR score.

Why this matters

• Despite recent therapeutic advances, bacterial meningitis remains associated with significant mortality and morbidity; the strong predictive value of the FOUR score supports its inclusion in clinical assessments.