Rancho Los Amigos Scale

Rancho Los Amigos Scale

The Rancho Los Amigos Scale, also known as the Rancho Scale or Rancho Los Amigos Cognitive Scale, is a renowned medical scale used to assess the cognitive function of individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The scale was developed at the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, California, USA.

Overview

The Rancho Los Amigos Scale is a 10-level scale. Each level describes the patterns of recovery typically seen after a traumatic brain injury. The scale ranges from Level I (No Response) to Level X (Purposeful, Appropriate). It is used by healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, to assess, plan, and track the progress of rehabilitation.

Levels of the Rancho Los Amigos Scale

1. Level I: No Response - The patient does not respond to stimuli.
2. Level II: Generalized Response - The patient responds inconsistently and non-purposefully to stimuli.
3. Level III: Localized Response - The patient responds specifically but inconsistently to stimuli.
4. Level IV: Confused/Agitated - The patient is overly active and has a short attention span.
5. Level V: Confused, Inappropriate Non-Agitated - The patient appears alert but responds to commands in a non-purposeful, random manner.
6. Level VI: Confused, Appropriate - The patient responds to commands consistently, but requires cueing.
7. Level VII: Automatic, Appropriate - The patient behaves appropriately and is oriented to place and routine but shows shallow recall.
8. Level VIII: Purposeful, Appropriate - The patient responds to the environment but may show confusion with stress.
9. Level IX: Purposeful, Appropriate: Stand-By Assistance - The patient requires stand-by assistance; able to recall and integrate past and recent events.
10. Level X: Purposeful, Appropriate: Modified Independent - The patient can handle multiple tasks simultaneously in all environments and requires no assistance.

See Also

• Glasgow Coma Scale
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Rehabilitation (neuropsychology)