Let me give you a quick history. In May of 2001, I developed sudden onset epilepsy. A sleep study was done to rule out SA among a barage of other fun and exciting tests. At that time I did NOT have SA. In Sept 02, I was implanted with a medical devise, VNS, simular to a pacemaker, to treat the seizure disorder. The VNS, (vagus nerve stimulator) is attached to the vagus nerve in the neck and delivers electrical impulses at a preset rate to disrupt seizure activity.
In Nov 04 I has a knee replacement and nearly died. My oxygen stats would not stay level and every time I went to sleep the alarms sounded. A pulmonary doctor was called in and she refused to allow me to go home until another sleep study was done.
Well, well, well, we were in for a BIG surprise. My pulse ox dropped to 51% with 50 events per hour. I went home to a CPAP and consentrator.
The VNS caused the sleep apnea. The Physician's Manual has a small disclaimer about it.
Quote:
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may have an increase in apneic
events during stimulation. Cyberonics recommends care when treating
patients with preexisting OSA. Lowering stimulus frequency or prolonging
OFF time may prevent exacerbation of OSA.
http://www.vnstherapy.com/epilepsy/hcp/manuals/default.aspx
I am the owner of the www.vnsmessageboard.com We have several members who have developed sleep apnea and I am sending them this way for information and support. I have scanned this messageboard for anything simular to this but cannot find any referances to the VNS and apnea.
Maybe we can work together to help my members adjust.
Thankyou
Birdbomb
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