Medical Emergencies · single question
How is Sleep Apnea definitively DIAGNOSED?
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Correct answer: A. Overnight sleep study (Polysomnography)
Overnight Polysomnography (Sleep Study) (A) is the gold standard for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It measures:
• AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index): number of apnea/hypopnea events per hour
• O2 saturation (SpO2)
• EEG (brain waves), EMG, EOG, ECG, respiratory effort, airflow, body position
OSA severity by AHI: Mild = 5-15/hr; Moderate = 15-30/hr; Severe = >30/hr.
• Home sleep testing: acceptable alternative for uncomplicated suspected OSA (measures AHI + SpO2 only).
• Dental management of OSA: Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) — effective for mild-moderate OSA; preferred by CPAP-intolerant patients. CPAP is gold standard treatment.
• Dentists play a role in screening (STOP-BANG questionnaire) and treating mild-moderate OSA with oral appliances.
• AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index): number of apnea/hypopnea events per hour
• O2 saturation (SpO2)
• EEG (brain waves), EMG, EOG, ECG, respiratory effort, airflow, body position
OSA severity by AHI: Mild = 5-15/hr; Moderate = 15-30/hr; Severe = >30/hr.
• Home sleep testing: acceptable alternative for uncomplicated suspected OSA (measures AHI + SpO2 only).
• Dental management of OSA: Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) — effective for mild-moderate OSA; preferred by CPAP-intolerant patients. CPAP is gold standard treatment.
• Dentists play a role in screening (STOP-BANG questionnaire) and treating mild-moderate OSA with oral appliances.
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