Biot's respiration
Encyclopedia
Biot's respiration, sometimes also called ataxic respiration, is an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by groups of quick, shallow inspirations followed by regular or irregular periods of apnea.
It generally indicates a poor prognosis.
It is named for Camille Biot
, who characterized it in 1876.
due to strokes or trauma or by pressure on the medulla due to uncal or tentorial
herniation.
It can be caused by opioid
use.
In common medical practice, Biot's respiration is often clinically equivalent to Cheyne-Stokes respiration
, although the two definitions are separated in some academic settings.
It generally indicates a poor prognosis.
It is named for Camille Biot
Camille Biot
Camille Biot was a French physician who is remembered for describing Biot's respiration.- Biography :...
, who characterized it in 1876.
Causes
Biot's respiration is caused by damage to the medulla oblongataMedulla oblongata
The medulla oblongata is the lower half of the brainstem. In discussions of neurology and similar contexts where no ambiguity will result, it is often referred to as simply the medulla...
due to strokes or trauma or by pressure on the medulla due to uncal or tentorial
Tentorium cerebelli
The tentorium cerebelli or cerebellar tentorium is an extension of the dura mater that separates the cerebellum from the inferior portion of the occipital lobes.-Anatomy:...
herniation.
It can be caused by opioid
Opioid
An opioid is a psychoactive chemical that works by binding to opioid receptors, which are found principally in the central and peripheral nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract...
use.
Related patterns
It is distinguished from ataxic respiration by having more regularity and similar-sized inspirations, whereas ataxic respirations are characterized by completely irregular breaths and pauses. As the breathing pattern deteriorates, it merges with ataxic respirations.In common medical practice, Biot's respiration is often clinically equivalent to Cheyne-Stokes respiration
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
Cheyne-Stokes respiration is an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by progressively deeper and sometimes faster breathing, followed by a gradual decrease that results in a temporary stop in breathing called an apnea. The pattern repeats, with each cycle usually taking 30 seconds to 2...
, although the two definitions are separated in some academic settings.