The Doll's Eyes Reflex may be normal in which group?

• A. Adults
• B. Infants
• C. Elderly
• D. Sedated patients

Answer: (B)

The doll's eyes reflex, or oculocephalic reflex, is a brainstem-mediated response: when the head is turned, the eyes should move in the opposite direction to keep looking at the same point. In a healthy, awake person, this reflex is typically present and can help assess brainstem function in coma—its presence suggests the brainstem pathways are intact.

In infants, this reflex can be a normal finding because the vestibulo-ocular system is still maturing and gaze-stabilizing responses are developing. Seeing the doll's eyes reflex operate normally in an infant reflects typical early-life brainstem and reflex maturation, not a sign of pathology. In contrast, in adults or elderly patients, or in sedated patients, the reflex is more often absent or diminished if brainstem function is compromised or if sedation suppresses reflex activity.