Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Central neurogenic hyperventilation
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Central neurogenic hyperventilation is an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by deep and rapid breaths. It is unrelated to other forms of hyperventilation like Kussmaul’s respirations.
It is caused by the body’s attempt to reduce intracranial pressure by reducing the carbon dioxide levels in the blood, causing contraction of cranial arteries; or direct damage to certain areas of the brain stem.
This abnormal breathing pattern is seen in patients with severe head injuries and with strokes involving the midbrain.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]