How is congenital central hypoventilation syndrome treated?

Treatment focuses on providing breathing support, usually through the use of a respirator or ventilator. Depending on their physiology, some children may require a tracheostomy, an incision in the neck to allow direct access to the airway. Some children with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome will need a ventilator 24 hours per day; others may only need breathing help when sleeping. In some individuals, a surgical implant in the diaphragm muscle can allow electrical stimulation of the muscle to control breathing.