Unilateral focal lesions in the rostrolateral medulla influence chemosensitivity and breathing measured during wakefulness, sleep, and exercise

Abstract

Patients with unilateral RLM lesions require monitoring during sleep to diagnose any sleep apnoea. The finding that unilateral RLM lesions reduce ventilatory sensitivity to inhaled CO(2) is consistent with animal studies. The reduced chemosensitivity had a minimal effect on breathing awake at rest or during exercise.