Sudden stoppage of breathing which results from any process that strongly suppresses the function of the brain's respiratory centre. It leads to lack of oxygen in the tissues and, if not remedied, to cardiac arrest, brain damage, COMA and death. Treatment is cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and artificial (see APPENDIX 1: BASIC FIRST AID) ventilation. Causes of respiratory arrest include cardiac arrest, electrical injury, overdose of narcotic drugs, prolonged seizures (EPILEPSY), serious head injury, STROKE or inhalation of noxious material that causes respiratory failure.