Obstructive sleep apnea in epilepsy

Clin Chest Med. 2003 Jun;24(2):239-48. doi: 10.1016/s0272-5231(03)00023-6.

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea can affect an individual with epilepsy profoundly. These relatively common disorders can coexist and potentially exacerbate each other. The identification and appropriate treatment of OSA may have far-reaching consequences in improving a patient's quality of life and recurrence of seizures. Clinicians must be aware of the relationship of these disorders and keenly question epilepsy patients, regardless of their body habitus, regarding potential symptoms of sleep apnea. Although the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are unclear, we can model the information gained from the observations to further the understanding of the relationship between sleep and epilepsy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy / complications*
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy / therapy
  • Humans
  • Respiratory Physiological Phenomena
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / complications*
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / diagnosis
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / therapy