Secondary Central Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to a problem with signals from the brain that control breathing muscles. The IPA phonetic transcription for Secondary Central Sleep Apnea is [ˈsɛkəndɛri ˈsɛntrəl slip əˈpniə]. The spelling of this word reflects its origin in medical terminology, which often combines Latin or Greek roots to describe health conditions. The word is composed of the Latin term "secondarius" meaning "secondary" and the English word "central," referring to the central nervous system, followed by "sleep apnea."
Secondary central sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by episodes of significant reduction or complete cessation of breathing during sleep. It is classified as a distinct subtype of central sleep apnea (CSA) that results from underlying medical conditions or specific medications. Unlike primary CSA, which occurs due to a malfunction in the brain's respiratory control centers, secondary CSA is caused by external factors or health conditions affecting the respiratory system.
In secondary central sleep apnea, the brain fails to transmit appropriate signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. This disruption in communication can occur due to various factors, such as heart failure, stroke, brainstem lesions, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson's disease), certain medications (e.g., opioids), or high altitude. The episodes of interrupted breathing can last for several seconds to minutes, leading to recurring awakenings throughout the night. Consequently, affected individuals often experience fragmented and poor-quality sleep, which can result in excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function.
Diagnosis of secondary central sleep apnea typically involves a complete medical history evaluation, physical examination, and overnight sleep study (polysomnography). Treatment options may differ depending on the underlying cause, but often involve addressing the primary medical condition or medication adjustment. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) may also be utilized to ensure sufficient airflow and oxygenation during sleep. Multidisciplinary management involving sleep specialists, pulmonologists, and cardiologists may be necessary to develop an individualized treatment plan for those with secondary central sleep apnea.