Low O2/breathing difficulty, memory/ADD, headaches, vertigo

[ill13632]

Hi!  I have central sleep apnea/asthma which started it seems 2 years ago with chronic fatigue and O2 levels of about 73% (my FEV1 scores are also 73%).  I'm worried my brain cells are dying and I'm having severe chronic fatigue, memory/ADD loss, headaches and sometimes vertigo.  I have a neu cyst in my clivus.  I've tried bipap with O2 but it doesn't work that well and I'm getting 0% stage 3/4 sleep.  What caused my sleep apnea, memory/ADD problem and what can I possibly do?  Thanks so much!

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

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 a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

I am not sure what caused your sleep apnea without more information and examination, but in general sleep apnea is more likely to occur in people who are obese or have anatomical variations of their airway. However, sleep apnea can occur in anyone. Symptoms include snoring, daytime sleepiness, lack of concentration, and headaches. Untreated, sleep apnea can cause many medical problems (including hypertension, memory difficulties, etc), and with treatment many symptoms improve. The diagnosis is made by a sleep study, called a polysomnogram, and treatment involves a mask placed over the nose and/or mouth that is adjusted to improve ventilation during sleep.

I would suggest you optimize your sleep apnea treatment/management. You should also have basic lab work obtained including CBC, CMP, TSH, and B12; to name a few.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[ill13632]

Thanks so much!  Should I go to a neurologist to treat my obstructive and central apnea?  I weigh about 183 and am tall so I don't know why I have this terrible disease that is destroying my career.  
My blood sugar was high and I had low testosterone.  I heard that acetazolamide can help and tonsil surgery.  But one ENT said my tonsils were small (other said they were large and flabby) and that there would be intubation problems because of my base of tongue