Classification by anatomical lesions level
Supratentorial lesions
Pons or midbrain lesions
bilateral pontine lesions.
lesions at the pontomedullary junction.
lesions in the ventral respiratory group in the ventrolateral medulla
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
supratentorial lesions → ↓ forebrain or diencephalic function
✓metabolic encephalopathy; etiology: HF, medication, diffused cortical dysfunction; alternated mental status due to systemic process;
Central neurogenic hyperventilation
pons or midbrain lesions;
✓metabolic encephalopathy, high brainstem tumors.
Apneusis (consisting of inspiratory pauses)
bilateral pontine lesions.
Cluster and ataxic (agonal) breathing
lesions at the pontomedullary junction.
Apnea
lesions in the ventral respiratory group in the ventrolateral medulla bilaterally