Neurologic causes of acute respiratory dysfunction

Many neurologic diseases can cause acute respiratory decompensation, theref ore a familiarity with these diseases is critical for any clinician managin g patients with respiratory dysfunction. In this article, we review the ana tomy of the respiratory system, focusing on the neurologic control of respi ration. We discuss general mechanisms by which diseases of the peripheral a nd central nervous systems can cause acute respiratory dysfunction, and rev iew the neurologic diseases which can adversely affect respiration. Lastly we discuss the diagnosis and general management of acute respiratory impair ment due to neurologic disease.