Ataxic respiration
Abnormal pattern of breathing (also known as Biot's respirations)
- 2 min read
- 4 chapters
Related on Lably
Through Brainstem
Ataxic respirations were discovered by Dr. Camille Biot in the late 19th century as he wrote multiple papers analyzing subtle differences in Cheyne-Stokes respirations in patients admitted to Hôtel Dieu Hospital.
Etymology
The word ataxia is commonly used in the medical literature. Examining the word "taxis," meaning order or organization, and "a," meaning without, the resulting meaning is "without order". Hence, ataxic respirations should equate to respirations without order, which is accurate.
Sign in to keep reading
3 more chapters are free with a Lably account.
Etiology
Ataxic respirations are caused by damage to the medulla oblongata (respiratory center of the brainstem) due to strokes or trauma. It generally indicates a poor prognosis and usually progresses to complete apnea.
Diagnosis and management
Advances in medical care may be masking the presence of ataxic respirations. This could be related to the fact that the treatment for ataxic respirations typically results in intubation immediately upon diagnosis, with mechanical ventilation to regulate patients' breathing. Furthermore, patients will often be intubated and on mechanical ventilation prior to the onset of ataxic respirations.
Related patterns
Ataxic respirations are one of many unique respiration styles in an ill patient. There is an apparent controversy surrounding the novelty of ataxic respirations versus the well-known Cheyne-Stokes and cluster respirations, which Dr. Camille Biot deemed mutually exclusive. Notably, Dr. Miller Fisher was able to identify ataxic respirations in comatose patients differentiating the breathing from cluster breathing.