Idiopathic Central Sleep Apnea and its Diagnosis

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Idiopathic central sleep apnea syndrome (ICSAS) is completely different than obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which is the more common sleep apnea condition that most of us have heard of before in the past. Idiopathic central sleep apnea is still not as fully understood as obstructive sleep apnea, but through research it is understood that there are abrupt increases in breathing. It is hence crucial to get help from a professional Sleep Disorders Medical Center before things get worse.

 

It is suggested that it is caused by the way the brain controls breathing. This is not a very common form of sleep apnea and there is still much to learn about it. What we do know is that it is usually found in people who are very ill. If you have had a stroke that has affected the brainstem then there is a possibility that you could experience idiopathic sleep apnea. The brainstem is where the body's breathing is controlled, so if you have any injuries, lesions, etc. that has affected the brainstem, then your chances of developing this disorder will increase.


The primary symptom of this sleep apnea is that you stop breathing for a temporary period of time, especially during nocturnal hours. If a neurological condition is the cause of this sleep apnea then you could experience other symptoms like change in voice, difficulty swallowing, feeling week or numb throughout the body and this all depends on what nerves and what part of the nervous system has been affected.

 

The prognosis for Idiopathic sleep disorder is actually very favorable with the proper treatment. If you have been diagnosed with this form of sleep disorder then follow through with the treatment program that your physician recommends.

 

A person who continually takes central respiratory depressant drugs is also at risk of developing this sleep disorder. These drugs include things such as alcohol, opiates, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and benzodiazepines. Usually if the person experiences an episode where they stop breathing they will be an altered state of consciousness or be asleep. For more information, click here.