Doll’s eyes reflex

Published July 15, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 3
Dolls Eye Test

Used For

  • The oculocephalic reflex (doll's eyes reflex) is an application of the vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) used for neurologic examination of cranial nerves 3, 6, and 8

How to Perform

  • The oculocephalic reflex is performed by holding a patient’s eyelids open and moving their head from side to side.
  • With the patient's eyelids open, the examiner briskly rotates the patient's head from side to side while the examiner observes the patient’s eyes. 

Result

  • The examiner observes a positive oculocephalic reflex when the patient moves their eyes opposite of the rotation of their head, such that their eyes stay looking forward (like a doll’s eyes). 
  • The examiner observes a negative oculocephalic reflex when the patient’s eyes stay midline and do not move while the examiner rotates the head.