Sleep Apnea Tests

By Natalie T. Bitner


In order to confirm a diagnosis, sleep apnea tests may possibly be ordered and completed. Typically, sleep apnea tests are performed in a sleep disorder clinic equipped with technological devices designed to monitor and measure your bodily functions while sleeping. A patient can anticipate to invest a minimum of 1 night inside the clinic to undego a variety of test that will offer information to the trained specialist. Following such an appropriate diagnosis, suitable therapy can began, assuring that the hazardous complications of sleep apnea could be reduced or eliminated.

The battery of tests performed is referred to as a sleep study Performed overnight at a devoted sleep clinic, the patient will probably be observed and tested although really sleeping. One of the most essential and valuable part of the sleep study is known as nocturnal polysomnography. In the course of the nocturnal polysomnography numerous electrodes will probably be positioned on the patient's head and face, although other sensors will probably be wrapped about the chest and abdomen. The individual tested will then lie down to sleep while the various sensors collect info.

A wide range of functions are assessed, beginning with brain waves, measured via EEG (electroencephalogram). Muscle activity is monitored by EMG (electromyogram) and eye movements are tracked by EOG (electro-oculogram). The heart rate is monitored too as the breathing rate and pattern along with the flow of air-intake and output by means of the mouth and nose. Systemic blood oxygen levels are tested continuously throughout the testing by an oximeter attached to one of the patient's fingers.

All measurements taken throughout the sleep study are recorded digitally, as well as the levels and patterns noted are then assessed by sleep specialists, physicians and other researchers and professionals trained in interpreting the information gathered. Further tests could also be performed to far better inform the sleep specialist. These tests include blood tests for hypothyroidism or perhaps a high red blood cell count, identified as polycythemia. This evaluation can indicate extra or alternative reasons for fatigue or low oxygenation. An electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) or echo-cardiogram may possibly be indicated to assess if the sleep disorder getting evaluated has brought on heart illness or harm. A recording or any snoring activity could also be produced.

Exactly where enlarged tissues or abnormal bone structures are suspected to be obstructing airflow, a fiber-optic pharyngoscopy could be performed to decide whether or not there's a structural issue, for example a narrowed airway or an airway that will not stay rigid even though breathing. Occasionally a CT scan of the head and neck could be indicated where abnormally excess tissue or an overly big tongue is suspected. In some instances, cephalometric X-rays could be ordered to rule out deformities of the skull or other bony locations within the head or neck. Where mechanical or structural concerns for example these are detected, a sleep specialist might refer an affected individual to an ear, nose and throat specialist to assess regardless of whether surgery is indicated as an efficient technique to resolve the airway obstruction.

Thorough sleep disorder testing will focus attention on the causes of impaired sleep, permitting a proper therapy regimen to be instituted. As the brief and long term consequences of sleep apnea can be disruptive to restful and restorative sleep for both the affected individual and loved ones, and, in severe circumstances, might be life threatening, appropriate measures to eliminate or lessen sleep apnea are critical. Sleep apnea aids sleep specialists style effective and life-enhancing treatment.




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