Abnormal Respiratory Patterns in Neurological Disorders

Cheyne-Stokes respiration

Cyclical episodes of hyperventilation and apnea

anatomical reason for Cheyne-Stokes respiration

Bilateral deep cerebral lesion or some cerebellar lesions

Central neurogenic hyperventilation

Deep and rapid respirations (RR >25)

Apneustic

Deep, regular inspirations with inadequate expiration

anatomical reason for Central neurogenic hyperventilation

Lesions of the midbrain and upper pons

anatomical reason for apneustic breathing

Lesions of the middle to lower pons

Cluster (Biot) breathing

Breaths are clustered, then followed by a period of apnea with variable duration

anatomical reason for Cluster (biot) breathing

Lesions of the lower pons or upper medulla

Ataxic respirations

Breaths at a low rate; completely irregular depth and pattern with prolonged periods of apnea

anatomical reason for Ataxic respirations

Lesions of the medulla