A simple bedside eye test may help predict recovery of consciousness in patients with severe brain injuries, according to new research presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2026.

The study found that a previously overlooked phase of the pupil response to light, known as the late light-off response (LOR), predicted improvements in consciousness seven days later in patients with acute brain injury. In contrast, standard pupil measurements already widely used in intensive care units (ICUs), including the Neurological Pupil Index (NPi) and pupillary light reflex (PLR) latency, did not predict later gains in consciousness.