SLEEP-APNOEA

SUMMARY

1. Sleep apnea occurs in approximately 15% to 60% of patients with SCI.

2. Clinical: loud snoring, disrupted sleep, witnessed apnea, nocturnal gasping & choking, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue.

3. In SCI patients, sleep apnea is primarily obstructive, however some demonstrate central sleep apnea.

4. Complications: daytime sleepiness and cognitive changes including poor attention, concentration, complex problem solving, short-term recall, and judgment.

5. Additional complications: HTN, pulmonary hypertension, CCF, depression, and increased mortality rate.

6. Inx: overnight oximetry recording, followed by a formal sleep study, if the oximetry recording is abnormal.

7. Management: assisted ventilation at night.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.