[Selective volitional respiration control loss (inverse Ondiene's curse syndrome) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].

ABSTRACT

We investigated neuro-respiratory function of a 60-year-old woman with a 7-year-history of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. She was trachomized 4 years ago, however, spontaneous respiration had been observed. Plethysmography disclosed autonomous and abolished volitional control on breathing. Cough reflex and emotional laughing influenced on respiration pattern. Positive reaction of respiration to hypercapnia was observed. Then, it seemed to be preserved respiratory neurons in the medulla oblongata and bulbospinal tract, and remarkable impairement of the corticospinal tract.