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.

It is caused by damage to the pons or upper medulla caused by strokes or trauma. It is an ominous sign, with a generally poor prognosis. Accompanying signs and symptoms may include decerebrate or decorticate posturing; fixed, dilated pupils; coma or profound stupor; quadriparesis; absent corneal reflex; absent doll's eye sign; negative oculocephalic reflex; and obliteration of the gag reflex.

External links

• About brain injury and functions

Abnormal respiration | Brainstem