[2][3] Biot's respiration is caused by damage to the medulla oblongata and pons due to trauma, stroke, opioid use, and increased intracranial pressure due to uncal or tentorial herniation.

[1][3] Ataxic respirations were discovered by Dr. Camille Biot in the late 19th century as he wrote multiple papers analyzing subtle differences in Cheyne-Stokes respirations in patients admitted to Hôtel Dieu Hospital.

Ataxic respirations are caused by damage to the medulla oblongata (respiratory center of the brainstem) due to strokes or trauma.

This could be related to the fact that the treatment for ataxic respirations typically results in intubation immediately upon diagnosis, with mechanical ventilation to regulate patients' breathing.

[5] Furthermore, patients will often be intubated and on mechanical ventilation prior to the onset of ataxic respirations.