Agonal breathing is a term used to describe a specific pattern of breathing that is typically associated with severe neurological conditions or impending death. It is characterized by irregular, gasping breaths that are often deep and followed by a period of apnea (no breathing). This type of breathing is a brainstem reflex and can be seen in situations where the brain is not functioning properly, such as during a coma, severe brain injury, or as a person is dying. Agonal breathing indicates that the respiratory center in the brainstem, which controls regular breathing, is failing or compromised. It is often a sign of a very serious medical condition and is generally considered a poor prognostic sign, suggesting that the individual may not survive their current condition. read more >>

Agonal respiration, gasping respiration or agonal breathing is an abnormal pattern of breathing and brainstem reflex characterized by gasping, labored breathing, accompanied by strange vocalizations and myoclonus. ... The duration of agonal respiration can be as brief as two breaths or last up to several hours.read more >>