Which reflex is tested to evaluate the pons and medulla?

Which reflex is tested to evaluate the pons and medulla?

• A. Doll's Eyes reflex
• B. Patellar reflex
• C. Babinski reflex
• D. Responses to light

Answer: (A)

The Doll's Eyes reflex, also known as the oculocephalic reflex, is a critical neurological examination tool used to assess the function of the pons and the medulla in the brainstem. When a clinician performs this test, they will move the patient's head side to side or up and down while observing the eye movements. In a person with an intact brainstem, the eyes will move in the opposite direction of the head movement. This response indicates that the pathways involving the pons and medulla are functioning properly, as these areas control the eye movement in relation to head movement. In contrast, other reflexes listed serve different purposes or evaluate other areas of the nervous system. The patellar reflex tests the integrity of the lumbar spinal cord segments primarily, while the Babinski reflex assesses the integrity of the corticospinal tract in the brain and spinal cord. Responses to light evaluate the eye's ability to react to changes in illumination but do not specifically target the functioning of the pons and medulla, which control a different set of functions and reflexes. Thus, the Doll's Eyes reflex is the most appropriate choice for assessing the health of the pons and medulla.

The Doll's Eyes reflex, also known as the oculocephalic reflex, is a critical neurological examination tool used to assess the function of the pons and the medulla in the brainstem. When a clinician performs this test, they will move the patient's head side to side or up and down while observing the eye movements. In a person with an intact brainstem, the eyes will move in the opposite direction of the head movement. This response indicates that the pathways involving the pons and medulla are functioning properly, as these areas control the eye movement in relation to head movement.

In contrast, other reflexes listed serve different purposes or evaluate other areas of the nervous system. The patellar reflex tests the integrity of the lumbar spinal cord segments primarily, while the Babinski reflex assesses the integrity of the corticospinal tract in the brain and spinal cord. Responses to light evaluate the eye's ability to react to changes in illumination but do not specifically target the functioning of the pons and medulla, which control a different set of functions and reflexes. Thus, the Doll's Eyes reflex is the most appropriate choice for assessing the health of the pons and medulla.