Does CPAP cause Vestibular Disorders?

[mom0rem]

Does anyone have links to studies or medical recommendations addressing a connection between increased risk of Vestibular disorders from CPAP?

I had Vertigo before CPAP
I started losing my balance more and more but did not attribute it to CPAP. I blamed it on age, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, insomnia, chronic sleep deprivation, etc. .
I read on here, that other people are experiencing Vestibular (balance) problems or Vertigo from CPAP.

I called my Sleep DR. who confirmed air pressure, if it reaches the ear canal, can cause dizziness. He had no change of treatment or advice to recommend. He is aware there is a connection between possible inner ear problems and air pressure, but he is not aware of any medical recommendations. The connection between airway pressure & inner ear damage does not seem to be researched.

I saw a specialist and was diagnosed with Bilater Vestibular Hypofunction (BVH) which has no cure or no known cause.

I tried to sleep w/o cpap but afib tremors started again, so I MUST wear it every night to prevent further heart damage. I've already had my pressure lowered.

In any case, BVH is totally disabling & permanent. Finding the air pressure/vestibular connection and fixing that was my only hope.

I go to PT for BVH and continue to use my cpap BUT
I am confined to bed most days because the dizziness is so bad.
I have fallen and had concussions so I have to keep my activties to a minimum, for short periods of time & only on flat surfaces (no theatres, stadiums, walks in woods, gardening). This time last year I was dancing twice a week, volunteering, traveling - had a life. This year I no longer have any activities. With PT I am learning to adapt my movements to reduce my fall risk but there is no hope for a cure.

Anyone out there understand and have overcome Vestibular problems caused by cpap? Do you know of any studies or links documenting the connection?

Thanks for your help.

[Wulfman...]

Try using the Search function.
I don't know how relevant all these discussions are, but just did a search on the one word.
You may find some clues in there or where else to look.

search.php?keywords=Vestibular


Den

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[Mark55]

Unfortunately I know nothing of which you ask, but you do have my sympathies in dealing with such a debilitating condition, and I hope you find a measure of relief somehow.

[DavidY]

I have had BPPV before my OSA was diagnosed. When I first started using an APAP(Feb 2018), it triggered dizziness/balance issues. It took a while to dissipate. Balance issues were triggered again when my sleep technician tried to increase my pressure range from 10-15 to 12-17cmH2O. I lowered the pressure range almost immediately. Tried to slowly increase the minimum pressure...but gave up after I started to notice dizziness symptoms again. Started tweaking my comfort settimgs. Pretty happy now...long term AHI is averaging about 1 or so (1-2 is quite common). My 95% pressure has dropped from 12-13.x to 11.x.