Which of the following findings would be least suggestive of a head injury?

Which of the following findings would be least suggestive of a head injury?

• A. One pupil larger in size than the other pupil
• B. Failure of the eyes to follow movement of an object
• C. Failure of the eyes to move in the same direction
• D. Briskly constricting pupils when exposed to light

Answer: (D)

Briskly constricting pupils when exposed to light is least suggestive of a head injury because this finding indicates that the brain's pathways responsible for pupil response are functioning properly. In a healthy neurological state, the pupils constrict in response to light, reflecting intact cranial nerve function and appropriate brainstem activity. In contrast, the other findings—such as one pupil being larger than the other (anisocoria), failure of the eyes to follow movement, and failure of the eyes to move in the same direction—are commonly associated with traumatic brain injuries or increased intracranial pressure. These abnormalities suggest possible disturbances in the neurological pathways or structures within the brain, which can occur due to injury. Thus, the brisk constriction of pupils indicates a normal response that would not typically be associated with a head injury.

Briskly constricting pupils when exposed to light is least suggestive of a head injury because this finding indicates that the brain's pathways responsible for pupil response are functioning properly. In a healthy neurological state, the pupils constrict in response to light, reflecting intact cranial nerve function and appropriate brainstem activity.

In contrast, the other findings—such as one pupil being larger than the other (anisocoria), failure of the eyes to follow movement, and failure of the eyes to move in the same direction—are commonly associated with traumatic brain injuries or increased intracranial pressure. These abnormalities suggest possible disturbances in the neurological pathways or structures within the brain, which can occur due to injury. Thus, the brisk constriction of pupils indicates a normal response that would not typically be associated with a head injury.