The clinical observations and neurologic examination findings can be used to assess return of brainstem function on emergence from general anesthesia. The clinical observations depicted correlate approximately with return of brainstem function and with time of emergence in a caudal to rostral direction. As patients emerge from general anesthesia, the anesthesiologist should interpret these clinical observations as indications of return of function in specific brainstem sites. If they are not present, the anesthesiologist can perform the suggested neurologic examination maneuvers to actively assess brainstem function.