The pupillary reflex is a brainstem reflex. As long as there is brainstem activity, you'd expect that reflex to be present (exceptions: brainstem death, cranial

The pupillary reflex is a brainstem reflex. As long as there is brainstem activity, you'd expect that reflex to be present (exceptions: brainstem death, cranial nerve damage, depressants/anesthetics, probably a few others). You can't tell if someone is awake based on pupillary light reflex.