An involuntary spasmodic contraction of the DIAPHRAGM which produces an indrawing of breath during which there is a sudden closure of the vocal cords. This results in the well-known sound and sensation. It is usually of benign cause (e.g. indigestion) but may be a symptom of medullary brain damage, URAEMIA, TYPHOID FEVER or ENCEPHALITIS lethargica. There are many folk remedies for hiccups, but most cases subside spontaneously. Prolonged hiccups due to disease may respond to treatment with CHLORPROMAZINE.