Vestibular functions were found to be impaired in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and balance disorders are common chronic diseases seen in the general population. The aim of this study was to evaluate vestibular functions in individuals with OSA.

Cross-sectional clinical study.

Patients who were referred to the sleep clinic in our hospital were classified into two groups according to a polysomnographic test: a moderate-to-severe OSA group and a mild OSA group. A vestibular system assessment of all patients was performed subjectively with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) survey and objectively with videonystagmography.

The current investigation produced four major findings: 1) Apnea-hypopnea index was significantly correlated with age and body mass index, whereas it was not correlated with Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores. 2) There was a significant difference in study groups in terms DHI scores, particularly in the physical subgroup. Moderate-to-severe OSA patients had higher scores in the physical subgroup of DHI. 3) Nystagmus and canal paresis rates were significantly higher in the moderate-to-severe OSA group when compared to the mild OSA group. 4) Results of the Romberg test, tandem Romberg test, cerebellar examinations, and positional tests were normal in both.

Abnormal vestibular responses are common in individuals suffering from severe OSA, and dizziness has negative effects on the quality of life in these individuals.

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