Ondine's or Undine's curse is a very rare medical condition characterized by respiratory arrest during sleep. This rare form of apnea may require a patient to be on a ventilator to ensure that the patient is able to breathe while sleeping. Many cases are congenital, with symptoms emerging shortly after birth, although the condition can also be acquired as a result of severe trauma to the brain, as seen in traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and some types of brain tumors.
In addition to suffering apnea, many patients experience symptoms related to other autonomic nervous system functions. They often have difficulty swallowing, for example, and can be susceptible to brain tumors as well. One problem with Ondine's curse is that it is so rare that a doctor may not recognize it immediately, which can result in delays in care.
This condition is also known as primary alveolar hypoventilation or congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS). Ondine's curse cannot be cured, but it can be managed and treated. Ventilation will help the patient to breathe, and patients may also benefit from physical therapy and other supportive care which is designed to promote independence. Unfortunately, many infants with Ondine's curse die, because the symptoms are not recognized by their doctors in time.
The best care for patients with Ondine's curse is often available in urban areas where medical care tends to be more advanced because of the larger population. Specialists who have worked with patients who have this condition are more likely to practice in such regions, and such regions also provide people with access to the latest medical technologies and treatments. Supportive care for patients may also be more readily available in such regions, ranging from expert physical therapy to programs which are intended to help people with disabilities maintain their independence.
The name of this medical condition is a reference to a Greek myth. According to legend, the water nymph Ondine cursed a man who promised that every waking breath he took would be a testament to his love, and then cheated on her. She condemned him to stop breathing while he slept, and while he tried to stay awake to avoid the curse, eventually he became fatigued, fell asleep, and died. In Greek mythology, many nymphs are rather vicious when it comes to vengeance, and numerous examples of vengeance similar to Ondine's curse can be found in Greek legends and stories.