Symptoms & Signs
Persons with central sleep apnea have episodes of disrupted breathing during sleep.
Other symptoms may include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Restless sleep
Other symptoms may occur if the apnea is due to a neurological condition. Symptoms depend on the underlying disease and what parts of the nervous system it has affected, but may include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Voice changes
- Weakness or numbness throughout the body
Diagnosis & Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Tests will be done to diagnose an underlying medical condition. A sleep study (polysomnogram) can confirm sleep apnea.
Other tests that may be done include:
- Lung function studies
- MRI
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Central sleep apnea : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Central sleep apnea : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Central sleep apnea : Treatment
Review Date : 9/21/2009
Reviewed By : Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange , NJ . Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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