What kind of doctor do you need for sleep apnea?

What kind of doctor do you need for sleep apnea?

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor might refer you to an ear, nose and throat doctor to rule out blockage in your nose or throat. An evaluation by a heart doctor (cardiologist) or a doctor who specializes in the nervous system (neurologist) might be necessary to look for causes of central sleep apnea.

What is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea?

CPAP Machine A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is the most common and most reliable method for treating it. The CPAP machine pushes a steady stream of air through a mask that you wear while you sleep. It keeps your airway open. That helps you snore less (or not at all) and sleep better.

How can I permanently fix sleep apnea?

CPAP and oral appliances work well, but they’re not cures for sleep apnea. The only sure way to rid yourself of the condition for good is to either lose weight or have surgery to remove excess tissue from the palate or throat. Surgery can have side effects, which is why it’s usually viewed as a last resort.

Is sleep apnea neurological?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition that is common among neurological patients. If undiagnosed and untreated, it may lead to hypertension, coronary heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, psychiatric disorders, cognitive impairment, and, ultimately, death.

Can I take diazepam if I have sleep apnea?

The sedating and hypnotic effects of benzodiazepines are well known, suggesting that diazepam may suppress apnea by improving sleep consolidation and reducing the number of sleep onsets, a state transition commonly associated with central apnea.

How long will it take to reverse damage from sleep apnea?

Although three months of CPAP therapy produced only limited improvements to damaged brain structures, 12 months of CPAP therapy led to an almost complete reversal of white matter abnormalities. Treatment also produced significant improvements in nearly all cognitive tests, mood, alertness and quality of life.

Do neurologists treat sleep apnea?

Neurologists tend to provide treatment for sleeping disorders when the cause is thought to be neurological. Central sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome can all be related to neurological issues and are best treated by a neurologist.

Should I see a neurologist for sleep apnea?

While you won’t typically get referred to a neurologist if your primary care physician suspects obstructive sleep apnea is the cause of your sleep issues (such as excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, etc., read more about symptoms here), you’ll probably get referred to a different specialist like a …

Is there a new pill for sleep apnea?

Modafinil is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in patients who have residual daytime sleepiness despite optimal use of CPAP. The most improvement has been seen in patients who have taken modafinil at doses of 200-400 mg/d.