What it means
The oculocephalic reflex, tested by the provider in an unconscious person. When the head is turned quickly to one side, the eyes normally move the other way, like the weighted eyes of a doll; this shows the brainstem is working. If the eyes stay fixed in the head and turn with it ("absent doll's eyes"), the brainstem may be badly damaged.
For the nurse
The test is never done if a neck injury has not been ruled out, because turning the head could injure the spinal cord.
At a glance
| Also written | doll's eye movements, doll's eye reflex, oculocephalic reflex, doll's eye movement |
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Related terms
central nervous system
The brain and the spinal cord together.
intracranial pressure
The pressure inside the skull, made by the brain, the blood and the fluid around the brain.