What type of respiration pattern is characterized by cycles of deep breaths followed by periods of apnea?

Cheyne-Stokes respiration is characterized by a distinct pattern of alternating periods of deep, rapid breathing followed by periods of apnea (no breathing). This cyclic pattern typically involves an increasing depth and rate of respiration, reaching a peak before progressively decreasing and culminating in a brief cessation of breathing. The mechanism behind this phenomenon is often related to fluctuations in carbon dioxide levels and can be observed in various clinical situations, particularly in patients with heart failure, strokes, or brain injuries. This makes Cheyne-Stokes respiration distinct, as it reflects a specific physiological response to changes in metabolic demand and is particularly notable in certain pathological states.