Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing
Published on: December 1, 2023
[Nocturnal choking sensation]
Rob J G Busger op Vollenbroek1, Al W de Weerd
1Medisch Spectrum Twente, afd. Neurologie, Enschede.
Abstract:
There are many different types of sleep disorders. The majority of sleep-related breathing disorders can be attributed to sleep apnoea syndrome. Nocturnal choking sensation is a different symptom, for which we present two cases. Nocturnal choking sensation is a terrifying symptom for the patient and the diagnostic approach can be challenging. Aside from sleep choking syndrome, this symptom may appear with nocturnal laryngospasm, insular epilepsy and nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux. A thorough patient history and observation of the nocturnal event, sometimes supported by EEG findings, may provide the clue to the diagnosis. These kinds of nocturnal symptoms are best analyzed in a clinic specialized in both epilepsy and sleep disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares often...
Pyloric Obstruction
Deglutition
Swallowing can be divided into three stages: the voluntary phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. Although the...
Esophageal Achalasia
Narcolepsy
Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation
