Absence of the Doll's Eyes Reflex (Oculocephalic Reflex)
When you turn the head of an unconscious patient, their eyes should normally move in the opposite direction to maintain visual fixation. If the eyes stay fixed in the midline and do not move with head rotation, this is called absence of the doll's eyes reflex.
What does it mean?
It is a clinical sign of irreversible brainstem death. The reflex depends on intact neural pathways passing through the brainstem (connecting the vestibular nerve with the oculomotor nerves). When the brainstem dies completely, these pathways are disrupted, and the eyes behave like those of a doll—fixed and unresponsive to movement.
The doctor looked at the ECG and shouted:
"Give insulin + dextrose NOW!"
No diabetes.
No high sugar.
Which dangerous electrolyte abnormality was this combination actually treating?
Which drug can cause severe flushing, itching, and a sensation of warmth if infused too rapidly?
A. Vancomycin
B. Ceftriaxone
C. Gentamicin
D. Meropenem .