The oculocephalic reflex is commonly known as which reflex?

The oculocephalic reflex is commonly known as which reflex?

• A. Blink reflex
• B. Doll eye reflex
• C. Corneal reflex
• D. Gag reflex

Answer: (B)

The oculocephalic reflex, known as the doll eye reflex, shows how the eyes move opposite to head movement to keep the gaze steady. When the head is turned, signals from the vestibular system drive the eye muscles so the eyes shift in the opposite direction and then re-center on the target. This demonstrates intact brainstem and vestibular pathways; if the reflex is present, brainstem circuits controlling eye movements are functioning. If it’s absent in a comatose patient, that points to brainstem dysfunction. Other reflexes listed are different: the blink and corneal reflex involve eyelid closure in response to eyelid or corneal stimulation, and the gag reflex involves the throat with cranial nerves IX and X. They do not describe eye movement in response to head movement.

The oculocephalic reflex, known as the doll eye reflex, shows how the eyes move opposite to head movement to keep the gaze steady. When the head is turned, signals from the vestibular system drive the eye muscles so the eyes shift in the opposite direction and then re-center on the target. This demonstrates intact brainstem and vestibular pathways; if the reflex is present, brainstem circuits controlling eye movements are functioning. If it’s absent in a comatose patient, that points to brainstem dysfunction.

Other reflexes listed are different: the blink and corneal reflex involve eyelid closure in response to eyelid or corneal stimulation, and the gag reflex involves the throat with cranial nerves IX and X. They do not describe eye movement in response to head movement.