Ataxic respiration

Ataxic respirations, also known as Biot's respirations or Biot's 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 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 and subtle differences between the types of breathing.^[1][3]

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.^[5]