Primary alveolar hypoventilation

Alternative names:

Ondine's curse

Definition:

A rare disorder of unknown cause that leads to inadequate breathing despite normal physiologic make-up.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of this disease is unknown. The condition is usually worse during sleep, and periods of apnea (cessation of breathing) are usually present. The disease affects men 20 to 50 years old; it can also be present in male children.