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Biot's respiration is an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by groups of quick, shallow inspirations followed by regular or irregular periods of apnea.
Contents
It is named for Camille Biot, who characterized it in 1876.
Causes
Biot's respiration is caused by damage to the pons due to strokes or trauma or by pressure on the pons due to uncal or tentorial herniation.
It can be caused by opioid 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, although the two definitions are separated in some academic settings.