Ataxic respiration
 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification.(May 2010) |
Ataxic respirationis an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by complete irregularity of breathing, with irregular pauses and increasing periods ofapnea.As the breathing pattern deteriorates, it merges withagonal respiration.
Cause[edit]
It is caused by damage to themedulla oblongatadue to strokes or trauma. It generally indicates a poor prognosis, and usually progresses to completeapnea.
The term is sometimes used interchangeably withBiot's respiration.
Treatment[edit]
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, withmechanical ventilationto regulate patients' breathing.[1]
References[edit]
- ^Wijdicks EF (May 2007)."Biot's breathing".J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry.78:512–3.doi:10.1136/jnnp.2006.104919.PMC2117832.PMID17435185.
- Michael G. Levitzky; Jimmy M. Cairo; Stanley M. Hall (1990),Introduction to respiratory care,Saunders,ISBN978-0-7216-1090-0