Neurologic aspects of sleep apnea and related respiratory disturbances

Several types of neurologic diseases can contribute to disturbed respiration during sleep. Abnormal function of respiratory and upper airway muscles can occur with neuromuscular diseases and lead to upper airway obstruction and alveolar hypoventilation during sleep. Central nervous system disorders that cause dysarthria and dysphagia can also lead to obstructive and central sleep apnea, even in the absence of the usual anatomic deformities associated with OSA. Appropriate treatment requires an understanding of the effect of the underlying disease process on upper airway and respiratory function.