When testing the doll's eye reflex by rotating the infant, normal eyes deviate in which direction?

• A. Deviate in the direction opposite the spin
• B. Remain fixed
• C. Move up
• D. Deviate in the direction of the spin

Answer: (A)

The doll’s eye reflex tests the vestibulo-ocular reflex, a brainstem-mediated mechanism that keeps a fixed gaze during head or body rotation. When you rotate the infant, the semicircular canals detect the movement and drive the eyes to move in the opposite direction to maintain fixation. So normal eyes deviate opposite to the spin. If the eyes moved with the spin or stayed fixed, that would indicate an abnormal reflex and potential brainstem or vestibular pathway issues.