Journal of clinical neurophysiology : official publication of the American Electroencephalographic Society
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J Clin Neurophysiol · Aug 2012
Unmasking of periodic limb movements with the resolution of obstructive sleep apnea during continuous positive airway pressure application.
Periodic limb movements (PLMs) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may present as overlapping conditions. This study investigated the occurrence of PLM during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration, with the hypothesis that the presence of PLM during CPAP represented "unmasking" of a coexisting sleep disorder. ⋯ These findings suggest that PLM seen during CPAP titration may be related to a concurrent sleep disorder because of "unmasking" in patients with treated OSA.
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J Clin Neurophysiol · Aug 2012
The utility of routine EEG in the diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing.
Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a common medical condition. Its manifestations of snoring, nocturnal choking, arousals, and sleep fragmentation can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, neuropsychological slowing, lapses of consciousness, and accidents that can be misinterpreted as epileptic phenomena. Moreover, patients with documented epilepsy commonly exhibit similar symptomatology because of the undiagnosed coexistence of sleep apnea. ⋯ It can therefore serve as a valuable, adjunctive tool for the diagnosis of SDB. Our data highlight that potential but unveil its decreased use in the neurology community. Increased awareness is required by the EEG technologists, interpreting neurologists, and referring physicians, regarding reporting and using sleep apnea features on the EEG.
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J Clin Neurophysiol · Aug 2012
Interval neurophysiological changes in non septic critically ill mechanically ventilated patients.
Peripheral nerve changes in critically ill patients are common, sepsis being the most important risk factor. The aim of our study is to investigate interval neurophysiological changes in non septic mechanically ventilated critically ill patients, a group who has not been the focus of previous studies. Consecutive non septic mechanically ventilated critically ill patients were included. ⋯ In conclusion, interval changes in peripheral nerves can exist in critically ill mechanically ventilated non septic patients. The pattern is similar to critically ill patients with sepsis. Theories of possible pathophysiology of critical illness neuropathy should not merely depend on the presence of sepsis as a trigger and other mechanisms should be investigated.