Link Between Central Apneas and Epilepsy

Anyone know if central apneas could be linked to seizure activity? Along with OSA, I have central apneas and no one seems to understand why. I had a couple of grand mal seizures about 30 years ago but nothing since, as they put me on Dilantin right after that. I'm wondering if seizure activity of some kind is causing these central apneas now. Anyone have experience with this?

lwieland11 wrote:Anyone know if central apneas could be linked to seizure activity? Along with OSA, I have central apneas and no one seems to understand why. I had a couple of grand mal seizures about 30 years ago but nothing since, as they put me on Dilantin right after that. I'm wondering if seizure activity of some kind is causing these central apneas now. Anyone have experience with this?

Did you have an in lab Sleep Study? Was there any evidence of seizures on the study? If you don't have a copy of your study, get one along with your prescription.

Controlling your seizures is very important and I would talk with a neurologist about your Sleep Apnea treatment. If you are having a significant number of CA's a different machine used to treat both obstruction and central apnea may be needed. Medications that effect the brain can influence the central apneas. Dilantin works by slowing down the neuron response in the brain.
The good thing is that there are machines that can control the CA's if the number becomes significant. Here is a link about Epilepsy and Sleep. https://www.soundsleephealth.com/blog/e ... e-seizures

lwieland11 wrote:Anyone know if central apneas could be linked to seizure activity?

It's possible in some patients that sleep apnea could increase seizure activity.

See ---->

... apneic episodes lead to hypoxemia and to chronic sleep deprivation, because multiple arousals during the apneic episodes cause sleep fragmentation. Sleep deprivation and hypoxia can decrease the seizure threshold in epilepsy patients.

http://www.epilepsy.com/information/pro ... a-syndrome

lwieland11 wrote:Along with OSA, I have central apneas

It might help to know more about your diagnosis. What was your AHI? What is the breakdown of obstructive events and central events?

There may be a possibility either epilepsy or the meds may be related to central apneas.
In any case, controlling the seizures takes first priority.
Encourage your neurologist and sleep doctor to work together to give you the best outcome.

lwieland11 wrote: I have central apneas and no one seems to understand why

According to whom or what?

Have you made any progress toward getting the software to review your results as discussed in your previous thread? viewtopic/p1114028/viewtopic.php?f=1&t= ... 5#p1111325

Is your doctor one of those that doesn't "seem to understand why"? Is he or she concerned about the CAs? Did these CA's occur during your sleep study, or are you only referring to your nightly readouts from your CPAP for a diagnosis of Central Apnea?