Sleep and neuromuscular disorders

Neurol Clin. 2005 Nov;23(4):1209-23, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2005.08.004.

Abstract

Nocturnal sleep-related ventilatory alterations may occur in dis-proportion to the severity of the neuromuscular disorder. Diaphragm paralysis occurring with a neuromuscular disorder is an overlooked complication. Failure to thrive, daytime tiredness, and incapacitating fatigue may be the result of a correctable sleep-related abnormality, not the result of relentless progression of a neuromuscular condition. Polysomnographic evaluation is recommended for patients who have neuromuscular disorder who develop symptoms and signs of sleep-wake abnormality or nocturnal respiratory failure. Application of noninvasive positive airway ventilation and, in some cases, administration of supple-mental oxygen may improve quality of life and prolong survival of patients who have neuromuscular disorder.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Myasthenia Gravis / epidemiology
  • Myotonic Dystrophy / epidemiology
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Polysomnography
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / epidemiology*
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / physiopathology
  • Sleep Stages / physiology