You may be experiencing some upper neck inflammation that can interrupt your brain stems control of your breathing. It is a like you are holding your breath. I have had this problem for 11 years. If I have my neck in the wrong position or in a tensed position, after a while, I will stop breathing or my breathing gets very slow. If I start to move, I get winded very fast.

I know to recognize this and stop and relax and take some deep breaths.

Usually, the brain will recognize this shortness of oxygen in your blood and you will yawn. The inflammation interrupts the proper function. This can be scary until you recognize what is happening.

I have learned the neck positions that cause this problem. At night, it caused Central Sleep Apnea and I have stressful dreams. When I wake up, I usually have a miserable day until I can take a good nap with good breathing.

Hopefully, your MRI will should if you have a neck issue that can be treated. Usually, you can only treat you neck carefully while it heals.

My best to you.