Between 25 and 40% of extubated patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the intensive care unit at our hospital (Assiut University Hospital–Assiut–Egypt) require reintubation. This reflects the importance of developing better criteria for predicting successful extubation in TBI. We evaluated the accuracy of semi-quantitative cough strength score (SCSS) and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) in predicting extubation outcomes in TBI.