Author: Dr Robert C. Basner Columbia University 2008-06-10
Central Sleep Apnea: Non-obstructive sleep apnea
Central Sleep Apnea: Non-obstructive sleep apnea
The following is a discussion of non-obstructive, or
"central" sleep apnea. As with its companion piece, "obstructive sleep
apnea," its content is not intended to be a medical primer nor meant to
exhaustively cover all of the risks and complications possible with the
disorder and its diagnosis, treatment, and non-treatment. The author
stresses that this discussion does not substitute for the need to
personally discuss all aspects of the health effects, diagnosis, and
treatment of sleep apnea with a health care professional and, generally,
with an expert in sleep disorders medicine. It should also be noted
that the focus of this piece is on adult central sleep apnea; although
some aspects of central sleep apnea in children are discussed here, the
risks and benefits involved in the decision making process for testing
for and treating such a disorder in children are substantially different
than those for adults, as pediatric sleep apnea is often very different
in its manifestations and treatment requirements (see recommended
readings at the end of this piece).