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Hi all,

I was wonder if anyone can help?

I was originally diagnosed with Sleep Apnoea and then some time later I was told I had Central sleep Apnoea which caused me some concern. I have now been told I have Complex Apnoea which I can't find any information about whatsoever. could anyone simply explain what Complex Apnoea is and what causes it and hopefully what treatment is available? I am now going to see a consultant on the 23rd of June 2016 but it seems a ages away.

thank you for your time

Terry

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Terry, Complex Sleep Apnoea is another term of Mixed Sleep Apnoea, which means it's a mixture of both central and obstructive events.  I've copied you some info that's due to go onto the new website when it's ready:-

Causes for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

There are several different causes why a person has Obstructive Sleep Apnoea or how it can be made worse, as follows:-

  • Nasal Blockage, due to deviated septum, narrow passages, congestion, allergies etc.
  • Large Uvula.
  • Obesity.
  • Overuse of Alcohol.
  • Certain Medications, such as tranquillisers etc.
  • Large Tonsils or Adenoids.
  • Large Soft Palate.
  • Receding Jaw.
  • Enlarged Tongue.
  • Smoking.
  • Brain slow to send messages to breathe (this is known as Central Sleep Apnoea and is not as common as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea).
  • Family member with Sleep Apnoea, as there are hereditary factors due to craniofacial issues.

Causes for Central Sleep Apnoea

(Central Sleep Apnoea is where the brain 'forgets' to send messages to the muscles to breathe and snoring is not always a sign of this).  Sometimes there is no known cause.

Conditions that may be associated with central sleep apnea include the following:

  • Congestive heart failure
  • Hypothyroid Disease
  • Kidney failure
  • Neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease)
  • Damage to the brainstem caused by encephalitis, stroke, injury, or other factors
  • Certain medications, eg Morphine etc
  • Cheynes Stokes Breathing, commonly associated with heart failure or stroke
  • Idiopathic - no known cause

The fact that the hospital are sending you to the consultant is reassuring and, depending on what kind of machine you're using now, they may change you to a a different type of NIV (non-invasive ventilator).  I'm on one myself for a different reason!

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Thank you for your swift reply it is appreciated. I will certainly let you inow what happens.

Terry

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