Apneustic respirations: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Revision as of 13:58, 25 September 2012
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Synonyms and keywords: Apneusis
Overview
Apneustic respiration is an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by deep, gasping inspiration with a pause at full inspiration followed by a brief, insufficient release.
Causes
It is caused by damage to the pons or upper medulla caused by strokes or trauma. Specifically, concurrent removal of input from the vagus nerve and the pneumotaxic center causes this pattern of breathing. It is an ominous sign, with a generally poor prognosis.
It can also be temporarily caused by some drugs, such as ketamine.
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
Appearance
- Accompanying signs and symptoms may include decerebrate or decorticate posturing
- Coma or profound stupor
Eyes
- Fixed, dilated pupils
- Absent corneal reflex
- Absent doll's eye sign
- Negative oculocephalic reflex
Neurologic
- Obliteration of the gag reflex
- Quadriparesis;