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Nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy presenting as obstructive type sleep apnea
Jae Wook Cho1, Dae Jin Kim1, Kyung Ha Noh1
1Department of Neurology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital;
Journal of Epilepsy Research
|March 21, 2014
Summary
This study found that some cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be caused by nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy. Seizures presenting as sleep apnea were identified and treated with antiepileptic medication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Epileptology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder.
- Epileptic seizures can manifest in various ways, sometimes mimicking other conditions.
Observation:
- A young man presented with symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) revealed epileptiform discharges preceding apneic events.
- Video-EEG and ictal SPECT confirmed epileptic seizures originating in the right frontal lobe.
Findings:
- The patient experienced nine apneas and two hypopneas during polysomnography.
- Epileptic seizures were identified as the cause of the observed sleep apnea.
- Antiepileptic medication effectively reduced the frequency of these events.
Implications:
- Nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.
- This case highlights the importance of comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for complex sleep-related breathing disorders.
- Understanding the link between epilepsy and sleep apnea can lead to improved patient management and treatment outcomes.
Keywords:
Apneic seizureEpilepsyEpileptic apneaNocturnal frontal lobe epilepsyObstructive sleep apneaMore Related Videos
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