Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults with Epilepsy

This pilot study shows that OSA is common in people with epilepsy and that a randomized, sham-controlled trial is feasible.

This was a pilot study aimed at optimizing the design for a future randomized, controlled trial of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment to improve seizure control in patients with epilepsy and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Investigators used a polysomnogram to evaluate 45 patients with epilepsy, scoring apneas and hypopneas per standard (Chicago) criteria. Thirty-five patients had mild or moderate OSA and were included in an 8-week baseline period and subsequently randomized to 8 weeks of either full CPAP (n=22) or sham CPAP (n=13). Subjects maintained their antiepileptic medications and completed seizure calendars.

Adherence was good: Three subjects in the full-CPAP group withdrew, two because the equipment was cumbersome a…

Reviewing Author

Milena Pavlova, MD