[Repercussion of sleep apnea in neurology]

While an individual sleeps, the pneumotaxic nerve centres take over control of the breathing, instead of those that perform this function during the waking state. The respiratory disorder during sleep commonly known as sleep apnea, refers to the alterations in the breathing pattern in sleep which, when associated with diurnal drowsiness, is known as sleep apnea syndrome.

The most frequent respiratory sleep disorder is the transitory obstruction of the upper respiratory tracts, which gives rise episodes of obstructive apnea, associated with snoring, and affects 4% of the general population. The complications it can present include pharyngeal neuropathy, arterial hypertension, diurnal drowsiness, cognitive disorders and a lowered quality of life. In post stroke patients the prevalence of sleep apnea is very high and it lowers the chances of successful rehabilitation. Patients respond well to treatment of obstructive apnea with devices that supply positive pressure air and complications are relieved.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a very widespread disorder, which can give rise to vascular complications. Patients respond well to treatment and the disease must therefore be identified and treated adequately.