Apneusis

/æpˈnjuːsɪs/ noun

Definition

A type of abnormal breathing pattern characterized by a prolonged inspiratory phase without a normal expiratory pause; sometimes associated with brainstem damage.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) + 'pneusis' (breathing). A neurological term describing a specific pathological breathing rhythm.

Kelly Says

Apneusis reveals how much of our breathing is controlled by the brainstem rather than conscious thought—damage there literally rewires how our bodies breathe.

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