Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Testing for Sleep Apnea
Most individuals referred to us for treatment have been told by their husband, wife or 'significant other' that they are snoring, gasping, choking or that they stop breathing during their sleep. Patients are seen and evaluated by the doctors and take a small test called Epworth Sleep Scale. This will give the Doctors a general idea of severity of the disease. Patients are then referred to a sleep lab to spend a night so we may conduct a diagnostic test called a Polysomnogram Examination also known as a sleep study, which is used to help diagnose the severity of sleep apnea. The exam rooms are decorated to give the patients the idea that they are in a private bedroom setting. Patients are attached to multiple monitors to analysis there sleep activities. The study will monitor the heart rates, breathing patterns, airways, teeth grinding, body movements, eye movements, and stages of sleep. The study is analyzed and data interpreted for diagnosis. The Exam will provide the physicians with the Apnea Hypoapnea Index (AHI), Oxygen Saturation in the blood and etc.... Oxygen saturation lower than 94% over a long period time will havre disastious effect on the cariovascular system. This exam will assist the examining physician to make accurate diagnosis and place the patient in a category. Patients will fall into one of three categories;
| Mild | Moderate | Severe |
| AHI 5-14 | AHI 15-30 | AHI 30 or Greater |
| O2 Sat. 86% or Greater | O2 Sat. 80-85% | O2 Sat. 79% or Less |
At our facility we perform the state of the art 3 Dimensional Open CAT Scan of the head and neck region (radiation exposure less than a regular dental x-ray or Chephalometric or Panorex radiographs). This study has the ability to replicate a 3 dimensional blue print of the facial bones and soft tissue airway. A Cephalometric Analysis of the face and soft tissue analysis of the airway are undertaken using the data generated from the scan. A Panorex view of the jaw is generated by the scan as well, which will aid in treatment.
With this 3 dimensional imaging system, the sleep study and clinical exams including awake or sleep induced Nasendoscopy the doctors will develop a treatment plan that the best suits the patient taking all factors into consideration.