A case of chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia presenting with central neurogenic hyperventilation

•Central neurogenic hyperventilation (CNH) is persistent breathing.•Chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) developed CNH.•CNH is usually caused by damage to the respiratory center in the brain stem.•Increased lactate levels in the frontal lobe, not in the brain stem, were shown.•Transient cerebrospinal fluid acidosis stimulated respiration to induce CNH.