Amygdala and hippocampus are symptomatogenic zones for central apneic seizures.

OBJECTIVE

To identify limbic sites of respiratory control in the human brain, and by extension, the symptomatogenic zone for central apnea.

METHODS

We used direct stimulation of anatomically, precisely placed stereotactic EEG electrodes to analyze breathing responses. We prospectively studied 3 patients who were explored with stereotactically implanted depth electrodes. The amygdala and hippocampus, as well as extralimbic sites (orbitofrontal, temporal tip, and temporal neocortex), were investigated.

RESULTS

Individual stimulation of the amygdala and hippocampal head consistently elicited central apnea in the expiratory phase, as did exquisitely focal hippocampal seizures.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings confirm that hippocampus and amygdala are limbic breathing control sites in humans, as well as the symptomatogenic zone for central apneic seizures.