Table 1 Clinical features frequently associated with alveolar hypoventilation

Shortness of breath during activities of daily living in the absence of paralysis

Orthopnea in patients with disordered diaphragmatic dysfunction

Poor sleep quality: insomnia, nightmares and frequent arousals

Nocturnal or early morning headaches

Daytime fatigue, drowsiness and sleepiness, loss of energy

Decrease in intellectual performance

Loss of appetite and weight loss

Appearance of recurrent complications: respiratory infections

Clinical signs of cor pulmonale