Sleep and Stroke

About Stroke

• Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States, and the third leading cause of death
• A stroke occurs when a blood vessel gets blocked or broken, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain
• Without blood flow and oxygen, brain cells begin to die and brain damage may then occur

When brain cells die from a stroke, the function controlled by that area of the brain may be affected or even lost. These functions can include speech, movement and memory. The degree of impact on the patient depends upon the location and extent of brain damage.

A stroke is diagnosed by analyzing the patient’s symptoms, doing a physical exam, and often performing a CT scan or MRI.

Seeking immediate medical care for any stroke symptoms can help prevent and limit damage. Once a stroke has occurred, rehabilitation is a very important part of recovery, the overall goal of which is to improve function and become as independent as possible.

About Sleep and Stroke

• Sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder, increases the chance of having a stroke
• This risk is reduced greatly if the sleep apnea is treated
• After a stroke there is a greater chance of developing sleep apnea

Sleep problems and stroke are commonly associated, possibly due to the increased blood pressure that may sleep apnea patients suffer from. For example, in a recent study over 1000 patients were evaluated and those with sleep apnea (a frequent closing of the throat while sleeping) had two times the chance of stroke or death compared to patients without sleep apnea.

In another study, two out of every three stroke victims had evidence of sleep apnea which is more than six times the average. Treating the sleep apnea with a positive airway pressure machine (PAP) often protects against developing new stroke symptoms after an ischemic (blockage) stroke and can help prevent future strokes and premature death.

Therefore, it is important to discuss any symptoms of sleep apnea with your doctor. Diagnosing and treating your sleep problem may greatly reduce your risk of stroke

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