The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Case Report

Respiratory Failure After Percutaneous Cordotomy

Authors: R. CRYSTAL POLATTY MD, KEVIN R. COOPER MD

Abstract

SUMMARYA 33-year-old woman who had Ondines curse after high cervical cordotomy for relief of chronic pain maintained adequate ventilation while awake but became apneic as she progressed from light sleep toward stages of deep sleep. After 14 months of successful nocturnal ventilatory support, she died suddenly. Central sleep apnea is common after cervical cordotomy and will usually resolve after several weeks, but can be permanent. Diaphragmatic pacing and mechanical ventilation can be offered for long-term ventilatory support.

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