Table 1 Cerebral performance category

CPC 1

Conscious, alert, able to work and lead a normal life. May have minor psychological or neurological deficits (mild dysphasia, non-incapacitating hemiparesis, or minor cranial nerve abnormalities).

CPC 2

Conscious. Sufficient cerebral function for part-time work in sheltered environment or independent activities of daily life (dress, travel by public transportation, food preparation). May have hemiplegia, seizures, ataxia, dysarthria, or permanent memory or mental changes.

CPC 3

Conscious. Dependent on others for daily support (in an institution or at home with exceptional family effort). Has at least limited cognition. This category includes a wide range of cerebral abnormalities, from patients who are ambulatory but have severe memory disturbances or dementia precluding independent existence, to those who are paralyzed and can communicate only with their eyes, as in the “locked in” syndrome.

CPC 4

Unconscious. Unaware of surroundings, no cognition. No verbal and/or psychological interaction with environment.

CPC 5

Brain dead, circulation preserved.