From the Research
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) can cause shallow breathing by damaging the brain areas that control respiration, particularly the brainstem where vital respiratory control centers are located, as supported by the most recent study 1. When DAI occurs, the rapid acceleration-deceleration forces tear axons throughout the brain, including in the brainstem where the medulla oblongata and pons regulate breathing rhythm and depth. The key factors that contribute to shallow breathing in DAI include:
- Damage to the brainstem, which disrupts normal respiratory drive signals, leading to irregular, shallow breathing patterns
- Decreased consciousness due to injury extending to the reticular activating system, which further compromises respiratory effort
- Impaired autonomic nervous system regulation, affecting the coordination between the diaphragm and intercostal muscles necessary for normal breathing In severe cases, patients may require mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygenation, as highlighted in the study 2. The shallow breathing is often part of a broader constellation of symptoms reflecting the extent of brain injury, and respiratory support is a critical component of managing patients with DAI to prevent secondary brain injury from hypoxia, as discussed in 3. It is essential to prioritize the management of DAI to minimize morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life, as emphasized in the study 1.