FIG. 7: Other patterns seen in Op-CSA can be Biot’s or ataxic breathing.  The distinction between Biot’s and ataxic breathing is not clear. In some cases Biot’s breathing is defined simply as a breathing pattern of irregular frequency, whereas ataxic breathing refers specifically to breathing that is irregular in frequency but also in tidal volumes.  The Op-CSA literature does not always differentiate between these terms, and so the following Figures will use the terms Biot’s and ataxic breathing interchangeably. 

In response to Biot’s/ataxic breathing there may be changes in the brainstem’s ability to respond to changes in PCO₂ or PO₂ that result in a disorganized pattern of breathing that intersperses apneas and tachypneas.