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Post-Concussion Syndrome and Sleep Apnea: A Retrospective Study
Alexandra Santos1,2, Hannah Walsh1,2, Neda Anssari2,3
1Tanz Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|March 8, 2020
Summary
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) patients frequently have sleep apnea, which is linked to memory problems. Sleep studies are recommended for PCS individuals with non-restorative sleep or morning headaches.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Neuropsychology
Background:
- Concussion symptoms usually resolve in 7-10 days.
- 10%-25% of patients develop post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
- PCS can include sleep abnormalities like obstructive sleep apnea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and impact of sleep problems, specifically sleep apnea, in PCS patients.
- To explore the relationship between sleep apnea, cognitive function, and symptomology in PCS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of PCS patients from a specialized concussion clinic.
- Analysis of clinical data including neuropsychology tests, concussion features, PCS symptoms, and demographics.
- Inclusion of overnight sleep study data for sleep measure abstraction.
Main Results:
- 78% of studied PCS patients were diagnosed with sleep apnea.
- Sleep apnea was associated with increased memory-related symptoms.
- Age differed significantly between groups; sex did not impact sleep apnea risk.
Conclusions:
- Sleep apnea is common in PCS patients experiencing non-restorative sleep or morning headaches.
- Sleep apnea is linked to greater memory symptom reporting in PCS.
- Consider sleep studies for PCS patients with specific sleep complaints, irrespective of sex or other risk factors.
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