Eyeing up the Future of the Pupillary Light Reflex in Neurodiagnostics

Charlotte Hall, Robert Chilcott

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)
86 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The pupillary light reflex (PLR) describes the constriction and subsequent dilation of the pupil in response to light as a result of the antagonistic actions of the iris sphincter and dilator muscles. Since these muscles are innervated by the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, respectively, different parameters of the PLR can be used as indicators for either sympathetic or parasympathetic modulation. Thus, the PLR provides an important metric of autonomic nervous system function that has been exploited for a wide range of clinical applications. Measurement of the PLR using dynamic pupillometry is now an established quantitative, non-invasive tool in assessment of traumatic head injuries. This review examines the more recent application of dynamic pupillometry as a diagnostic tool for a wide range of clinical conditions, varying from neurodegenerative disease to exposure to toxic chemicals, as well as its potential in the non-invasive diagnosis of infectious disease.
Original languageEnglish
Article number19
Number of pages20
JournalDiagnostics
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Mar 2018

Keywords

  • pupillometry
  • acetylcholine
  • cholinergic system
  • neurodegeneration
  • trauma
  • infection
  • recreational drugs
  • chemicals
  • toxins
  • autism
  • Journal Article
  • Review

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