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Published on: December 6, 2016
Hypoglossal nerve conduction findings in obstructive sleep apnea
Sindhu Ramchandren1, Kirsten L Gruis, Ronald D Chervin
1Department of Neurology, Wayne State University-Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Muscle & Nerve
|June 15, 2010
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients show reduced hypoglossal nerve function. These nerve conduction abnormalities may be linked to OSA, potentially contributing to or resulting from the condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to oropharyngeal muscle dysfunction.
- Previous studies suggested denervation, but oropharyngeal nerve conduction in OSA remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare hypoglossal nerve conduction in patients with and without OSA.
- To identify potential nerve conduction abnormalities associated with OSA.
Main Methods:
- Unilateral hypoglossal nerve conduction studies were conducted on 20 OSA patients and 20 age-matched controls.
- Standard electrophysiological techniques were employed to assess nerve function.
Main Results:
- Hypoglossal compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes were significantly reduced in OSA patients (P = 0.01).
- Prolongation of latencies did not reach statistical significance.
- Reduced amplitudes remained borderline significant in a subgroup without polyneuropathy (P = 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Hypoglossal nerve conduction abnormalities, particularly reduced CMAP amplitudes, may differentiate OSA patients from controls.
- These findings suggest a potential role for hypoglossal nerve dysfunction in the pathophysiology of OSA.
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