Ondine’s curse, a fatal infarction diagnosed by polysomnography and saved by ventilation: a case report

Abstract

Background Lateral medullary syndrome causing Ondine’s curse is a rare yet fatal brainstem infarction. Any patient presenting with lateral medulla infarction ought to be well observed and a polysomnography must be ordered for him. Case presentation A patient presenting with Ondine’s curse is dealt with through polysomnography as a diagnostic procedure that was followed by tracheostomy with portable ventilator and cardiac pacemaker as a therapeutic maneuver which ultimately preserved his life. Conclusion Lateral medullary syndrome infarct could be a life-threatening stroke if not diagnosed and managed properly.