Ataxic respiration

Ataxic respiration is an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by complete irregularity of breathing, with irregular pauses and increasing periods of apnea. As the breathing pattern deteriorates, it merges with agonal respiration.

Cause

It is caused by damage to the medulla oblongata due to strokes or trauma. It generally indicates a poor prognosis, and usually progresses to complete apnea.

The term is sometimes used interchangeably with Biot's respiration.

Treatment

It is believed that intensive care technology may be masking the presence of Biot’s Respirations. This could be related to the fact that treatment for Biot’s Respirations typically results with intubation immediately upon diagnosis, with mechanical ventilation to regulate patients’ breathing.[1]

References
  1. Wijdicks EF (May 2007). "Biot's breathing". J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry. 78: 512–3. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2006.104919. PMC 2117832. PMID 17435185.
  • Michael G. Levitzky; Jimmy M. Cairo; Stanley M. Hall (1990), Introduction to respiratory care, Saunders, ISBN 978-0-7216-1090-0
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