The use of a penlight to evaluate pupillary response and eye movements is a component of neurological assessments, especially in situations where a head injury is suspected. This examination focuses on observing how pupils constrict and dilate in response to light, and tracking the ability of the eyes to follow a moving target. Abnormalities in these functions can indicate potential neurological damage.
Such evaluations are important in the immediate post-injury period because they offer a rapid, non-invasive method to detect possible brain trauma. Observations made during these assessments can assist in determining the severity of the injury and inform subsequent medical decisions. Historically, these evaluations have been a standard part of sideline assessments in sports and initial emergency room evaluations for head trauma patients.
