Oculocephalic and vestibulo-ocular responses: significance for nursing care

This paper describes neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the vestibulo-ocular system responsible for the oculocephalic (doll's eyes movements) and vestibulo-ocular (caloric) responses. It describes methods for testing doll's eyes and caloric maneuvers, delineating responses observed in normal awake, stuporous and unconscious patients. In addition, the physiological and pathophysiological bases for these responses are explained. Nursing implications regarding these responses in the brain-damaged patient are discussed.