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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Childhood obstructive sleep apnea
Answered by
Lama Chahine, MD - Neurology
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland - OH
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Childhood obstructive sleep apnea
by evsmom, Oct 14, 2008 09:29AM
In general, would undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea in a child between the ages of 2 and 5 years have a significant impact on their neurological development? If so, what would the impact be?
Doctor's Answer
by Lama Chahine, MD, Oct 17, 2008 08:28AM
, Oct 17, 2008 08:28AM
Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.
Obstructive sleep apnea is not uncommon in childhood and can result in severe consequences if left untreated.
The effects of obstructive sleep apnea in childhood can include lack of growth, heart problems, high blood pressure, and problems with brain development. Specifically, obstructive sleep apnea can cause what is in general referred to as neurocognitive deficits, which include poor learning/learning disability, behavioral problems, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). if a patient with seizures has sleep apnea, the sleep apnea can worsen the seizures, but sleep apnea itself does not specifically cause seizures.
The most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea in children include enlarged tonsills/adenoids. Other causes of sleep apnea include neurologic problems (which lead to central sleep apnea). Obesity can also play a role. Diagnosis is with a sleep study (a polysomnogram, PSG). Treatment may include tonsil or adenoid removal, CPAP, or other measures.
Thank you for using the forum, I hope you find this information useful, good luck.
Obstructive sleep apnea is not uncommon in childhood and can result in severe consequences if left untreated.
The effects of obstructive sleep apnea in childhood can include lack of growth, heart problems, high blood pressure, and problems with brain development. Specifically, obstructive sleep apnea can cause what is in general referred to as neurocognitive deficits, which include poor learning/learning disability, behavioral problems, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). if a patient with seizures has sleep apnea, the sleep apnea can worsen the seizures, but sleep apnea itself does not specifically cause seizures.
The most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea in children include enlarged tonsills/adenoids. Other causes of sleep apnea include neurologic problems (which lead to central sleep apnea). Obesity can also play a role. Diagnosis is with a sleep study (a polysomnogram, PSG). Treatment may include tonsil or adenoid removal, CPAP, or other measures.
Thank you for using the forum, I hope you find this information useful, good luck.
