Background Anesthesia increases the death rate of neurons in the developing brain, which has been confirmed by a large number of animal experiments. Combined or repeated anesthesia is more likely to result in long-term impairments of brain function. Objective This article reviews the possible mechanisms of anesthetic neurotoxicity and long-term behavior disturbance, and brings together the recent evidences of the neurotoxicity to non-human primates and humans. Content The ideas generally accepted on anesthetic neurotoxicity, the possible mechanisms of anesthetic neurotoxicity and long-term impairments of brain function, and main results of recent studies on anesthetic neurotoxicity to non-human primates and humans. Trend The existing evidences suggest that the influence of anesthesia on the developing brain can not be ignored. Further studies are warranted.