A study of eye movement for assessing recovery from anaesthesia.

A test for assessing recovery from general anaesthesia is proposed, using electro-oculographic (e.o.g.) measurements. The eyes, when exploring a flat area, progress by "jerking" movements. After general anaesthesia, incomplete recovery is associated with smooth sinusoidal movements. In a series of 16 patients, different e.o.g. patterns were compared with clinical signs of awakening and related to the anaesthetic drugs used. In a further group of 19 patients, assessment of recovery using e.o.g. techniques was made 2 h following the end of operation. In both groups, this simple test appeared to be very reliable. In addition, the test provides a record which can be filed. This may be of value in day-case anaesthesia, where the safety of the patient and medicolegal considerations would be aided by an objective measurement of recovery.