What type of apnea involves damage to the brain or spinal cord?

Central apnea is characterized by a failure of the brain to send signals to the muscles that control breathing. This condition often arises from damage to the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. When there is injury or dysfunction in these areas, the normal respiratory drive can be lost, leading to episodes of apnea, or pauses in breathing.

This type of apnea is distinct from obstructive apnea, which occurs when there is a physical blockage in the airway despite the efforts of the brain to initiate breathing. Mixed apnea combines features of both obstructive and central apnea but does not specifically focus on damage to the central nervous system as a primary factor. Transient apnea typically refers to short episodes that may not relate to underlying neurological conditions.

Thus, central apnea is the correct identification when discussing apnea that involves damage to the brain or spinal cord.