| Grades | Description | Mortality |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asymptomatic or minimal headache and slight nuchal rigidity | 3% |
| 2 | Moderate or severe headache, nuchal rigidity, no neurologic deficit other than cranial nerve palsy | 3% |
| 3 | Drowsiness, confusion, or mild focal deficit | 9% |
| 4 | Stupor, moderate to severe hemiparesis, possibly early decerebrate rigidity, and vegetative disturbance | 24% |
| 5 | Deep coma, decerebrate posturing, moribund appearance | 71% |