What causes Cheyne-Stokes breathing?

Cheyne-Stokes breathing is characterized by a cyclical pattern of breathing that includes periods of deeper breaths followed by periods of apnea. This pattern is most commonly associated with conditions that alter the normal regulation of breathing due to changes in brain function.

Increased intracranial pressure and narcotic overdose can lead to alterations in neurological function, particularly affecting the areas of the brain that control respiration. When intracranial pressure rises, it can have a direct impact on the brainstem, specifically in the medulla oblongata and pons, which are critical for breathing regulation. Similarly, narcotics can depress the central nervous system function, impairing the body’s ability to maintain a steady respiratory pattern and resulting in abnormal breathing patterns such as Cheyne-Stokes. This cyclical breathing pattern often occurs in individuals with certain neurological conditions, heart failure, or during states of decreased consciousness.

While metabolic acidosis, severe anxiety, and skeletal muscle paralysis could lead to other respiratory issues, they do not typically cause Cheyne-Stokes breathing. Each of those conditions influences the respiratory system in a different way that does not match the characteristic pattern observed in Cheyne-Stokes breathing. Thus, the correct association of Cheyne-Stokes breathing with increased intracranial pressure and