[The sleep apnea syndrome]

Polygraphic nocturnal records make it possible to differentiate different forms of the sleep apnoea syndrome, depending on the predominating type of apnoea--central or obstructive. In mixed apnoea always one component predominates. On five typical cases of sleep apnoea the authors describe basic symptoms, principles of diagnosis and pathophysiological mechanisms of their development. In the clinical picture usually several factors and pathophysiological systems participate, most frequently functional disorders of respiratory centres and tonigenetic structure along with their afferentation or inhibition by afferent stimulation. The authors describe therapeutic approaches. Tracheostomy is recommended nowadays only in vital indication.