Apneusis responding to buspirone in multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Neuroimmunology

Background:

• Apneusis is a rare respiratory disorder characterized by prolonged inspiratory spasms.
• It typically results from bilateral lesions in the dorsal pons, often due to pontine infarction.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an infrequently reported cause of apneusis.

Observation:

• A patient diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) presented with episodic apneusis.
• The patient's respiratory pattern exhibited prolonged inspiratory efforts characteristic of apneusis.

Findings:

• The patient's apneusis episodes were episodic in nature.
• Treatment with buspirone, a selective serotonin type 1A receptor agonist, led to a positive response.

Implications:

• This case suggests a potential therapeutic role for buspirone in managing apneusis associated with MS.
• Further research may explore the efficacy of serotonin receptor agonists in treating respiratory disturbances in neuroinflammatory conditions.