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[Health] Epilepsy and Sleep Apnea - Any experiences
#1
Epilepsy and Sleep Apnea - Any experiences
I have had epilepsy since I was a teenager and it has been controlled by meds since then. I also have just recently been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea although I have probably been suffering with it for many years. 
During the past 5 years or so I have been having night time events that my spouse cannot completely categorize as Epilepsy or Apnea.
I have had a 72 hr EEG and a Polysomnograph as well and neither of these was conclusive as to what happens during these events.
I am looking for any other experiences out there that may help with some similar evidence or ideas on how to figure this out.
So far CPAP therapy has improved things but not completely. I still have events during the night with a lot of leg and arm movement and heavy forced breathing (not gasping).
I also plan to get an oximeter to see if that data will reveal anything.
I know there are some links to the possibility of Apnea initiating seizures but have not yet found anything definite.
Perhaps it is a crazy idea to try and find a concrete solution to two things that are so individual and subjective as epilepsy and Sleep apnea.
Either way, I am very interested to hear from anyone else dealing with the same issues or anyone who knows any info on the subject.

Thanks
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#2
RE: Epilepsy and Sleep Apnea - Any experiences
I will suggest considering that there is more than two things going on, not that you need any more...  Periodic Limb Movement and Restless Leg Syndrome might explain the movement.  As a guess, these are more likely to be related to epilepsy than obstructive sleep apnea (which does not originate in the the brain).
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#3
RE: Epilepsy and Sleep Apnea - Any experiences
I don't quite understand what these "events" are and what your question is.
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




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#4
RE: Epilepsy and Sleep Apnea - Any experiences
The events are periodic "bicycling" leg movements, combined with pushing on the head board, and strong forced breathing, lasting about 30 seconds. This mat happen a couple of times per night but typically will be at least 20-30 mins after going to sleep.
It is all kind of atypical (or so I think) for a nighttime seizure or apnea event. It also doesn't sound much like Restless Leg.
I didn't have a specific question about it but wanted to hear from anyone else who may have similar experience with a combination of epilepsy/sleep apnea and see what avenues they have explored to try and get everything sorted out.
CPAP has improved things but has not made them go away.

Thanks for any help in advance
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#5
RE: Epilepsy and Sleep Apnea - Any experiences
Some anti-seizure meds may help with periodic limb movement syndrome - ex topiramate and lamogitrine. You may already be on one of those for the epilepsy. Both docs - sleep and epilepsy - might need to talk with each other if medication needs to be optimized.
                                                                                                                          
Note: I'm an epidemiologist, not a medical provider. 
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