Cheyne-Stokes

noun[before a noun]1

1. •
   An abnormal pattern of breathing involving apnea alternating with periods of compensatory hyperventilation and with smooth, gradual transitions between the two, characteristic of those in a coma or suffering cardiac or cerebral episodes.

   • He recognized Cheyne-Stokes tendencies in his respiration—but like everything the symptom served only to turn him in toward his emotion. — 1934