Rancho Los Amigos Level of Cognitive Functioning Scale
Original Editor - Venugopal Pawar
Top Contributors
Objective[edit | edit source]
The Ranchos Los Amigos Scale measures the levels of awareness, cognition, behavior and interaction with the environment.
Intended Population[edit | edit source]
Head Injury
To diagnose the symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
Method of Use[edit | edit source]
RANCHO LOS AMIGOS SCALE
AKA Level of Cognitive Functioning Scale (LCFS)
- (1) Level I - No Response.
Patient does not respond to external stimuli and appears asleep.
- (2) Level II - Generalized Response.
Patient reacts to external stimuli in nonspecific, inconsistent, and nonpurposeful manner with
stereotypic and limited responses.
- (3) Level III - Localized Response.
Patient responds specifically and inconsistently with delays to stimuli, but may follow simple
commands for motor action.
- (4) Level IV - Confused, Agitated Response.
Patient exhibits bizarre, nonpurposeful, incoherent or inappropriate behaviors, has no shortterm
recall, attention is short and nonselective.
- (5) Level V - Confused, Inappropriate, Nonagitated Response.
Patient gives random, fragmented, and nonpurposeful responses to complex or unstructured
stimuli - Simple commands are followed consistently, memory and selective attention are
impaired, and new information is not retained.
- (6) Level VI - Confused, Appropriate Response.
Patient gives context appropriate, goal-directed responses, dependent upon external input for
direction. There is carry-over for relearned, but not for new tasks, and recent memory
problems persist.
- (7) Level VII - Automatic, Appropriate Response.
Patient behaves appropriately in familiar settings, performs daily routines automatically, and
shows carry-over for new learning at lower than normal rates. Patient initiates social
interactions, but judgment remains impaired.
- (8) Level VIII - Purposeful, Appropriate Response.
Patient oriented and responds to the environment but abstract reasoning abilities are
decreased relative to premorbid levels.
Resources[edit | edit source]
http://www.traumaticbraininjury.com/symptoms-of-tbi/ranchos-los-amigos-scale/
http://www.neuroskills.com/resources/rancho-los-amigos-revised.php
Advantages / Limitations [edit | edit source]
Advantage:[edit | edit source]
The LCFS is a quick and simple way to present an individual’s level of recovery. It is also useful for making quick comparisons between groups.[1] Its simplicity and utility have contributed to its widespread use within the United States.[2]
Limitations[edit | edit source]
At present there is no standardized method to derive an LCFS rating. Variable inter-observer agreement has been reported suggesting that standardized rating methods might serve to improve reliability.[3]
Interpretability:[edit | edit source]
The LCFS is used widely in the United States and provides a quick, global presentation of level of recovery.
Acceptability:[edit | edit source]
Ratings are derived from observation and represent little or no patient burden. Use of collateral information to derive ratings has not been evaluated.
Feasibility:[edit | edit source]
The LCFS is short and simple. It is available free of charge. The LCFS has been evaluated for use in longitudinal assessments.
Links[edit | edit source]
http://www.traumaticbraininjury.com/symptoms-of-tbi/ranchos-los-amigos-scale/
http://www.neuroskills.com/resources/rancho-los-amigos-revised.php
http://www.abiebr.com/set/17-assessment-outcomes-following-acquiredtraumatic-brain-injury/rancho-los-amigos-levels
References[edit | edit source]
- 2)Hall 1997; Hall & Johnston 1994
- 3)Beauchamp et al. 2001.
