Biot's breathing or ataxic breathing, is an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by variable tidal volume, random apneas, and no regularity.[1] It is named for Camille Biot, who characterized it in 1876.[2][3]
Biot's Breathing | |
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Other names | Biot's respiration; ataxic respiration |
Graph showing Biot's respiration and other pathological breathing patterns. | |
Specialty | Neurology; Pulmonology |
Causes | Damage to Medulla Oblongata and Pons |
Biot's respiration is caused by damage to the medulla oblongata and pons due to trauma, stroke, opioid use, and increased intracranial pressure due to uncal or tentorial herniation.[1][4] Often this condition is also associated with meningitis.[2]
In common medical practice, Biot's respiration is often mistaken for Cheyne–Stokes respiration, part of which may have been caused by them both being described by the same person studying both.[1]