Cervical Spine Issues and Central Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Q: Cervical Spine Issues and Central Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Hello： Based on the symptom description, the cause may be related to cervical spine disease. <br>It is recommended to visit a neurologist for a definitive diagnosis.

Cervical spine issues and sleep apnea?

Hello, Doctor.
Thank you very much for your response.
I have been suspecting that I might have central sleep apnea.
About a year ago, I frequently stayed up late and later began to feel extremely fatigued.
Whenever I didn't get enough sleep, I often experienced weak breathing and a sensation of hypoxia, or felt like I was about to faint at the moment of falling asleep, as if my breathing was about to stop and my heart rate slowed down.
Sometimes, even when I felt good mentally and physically during the day, after exercising, I would suddenly feel fatigued to the point where I needed to lie down, accompanied by the sensation of weak breathing and hypoxia, which was unbearable.
Once, when I was about to fall asleep, I forced myself to keep talking, and suddenly felt very short of breath.
A few times, when I started to feel the hypoxia, I forced myself to speak, and shortly after, I began to experience chest pain.
Initially, I was worried that these symptoms indicated heart failure because I have mild mitral valve prolapse.
A couple of years ago, after several months of staying up late, I started to feel unwell.
However, I have undergone multiple echocardiograms and blood tests for BNP heart markers, all of which were normal.
I even had a cardiac MRI to check for myocardial damage, which also came back normal.
I was referred to the autonomic nervous system clinic, and over the past year, I often feel dizzy and foggy after getting up.
When I sleep in the car, I experience irregular breathing patterns.
When exhaling, I feel like my chest muscles completely relax, and then I wake up, repeating this cycle.
Other symptoms include weak urination, a feeling of faintness accompanied by cold sweats when holding my breath during bowel movements, chest tightness, a sensation of up-and-down movement while walking when I haven't slept well, and occasional weakness or numbness on the right side of my body (I have had a brain MRI that was normal).
My past medical history includes a straightened cervical spine (very straight).
I would like to ask the doctor the following questions: 1.
Could my symptoms be related to the straightened cervical spine? 2.
Do these symptoms resemble central sleep apnea? 3.
If there is sleep apnea, will it be detected on the day of the sleep study, or does it need to be monitored regularly? (I have an appointment at the sleep center in a month.) 4.
Besides heart issues, what other causes could lead to central sleep apnea? Thank you, Doctor.
I have been to many hospitals and am extremely grateful for your help.

Shuìjiào Chāorén, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/20

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology

Hello: Based on the symptom description, the cause may be related to cervical spine disease.
It is recommended to visit a neurologist for a definitive diagnosis.

Reply Date: 2024/04/20

More Info

Understanding cervical spine issues and central sleep apnea symptoms can be complex, especially when multiple symptoms overlap and affect daily life. Based on your detailed description, it seems you are experiencing a range of symptoms that may be interconnected, particularly with your cervical spine condition and potential sleep apnea.

1. Cervical Spine Issues: Your concern about whether your symptoms could be related to cervical spine issues, particularly the straightening of the cervical spine (cervical kyphosis), is valid. The cervical spine plays a crucial role in supporting the head and facilitating nerve function. A straightened cervical spine can lead to increased tension in the neck muscles and may contribute to nerve compression, which can manifest as pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms and hands. Additionally, if there is any nerve root irritation or compression, it could potentially affect autonomic functions, which may explain some of your symptoms like fatigue and breathing irregularities.

2. Central Sleep Apnea: Your symptoms, such as feeling extreme fatigue, experiencing breathlessness, and having episodes where you feel like you might faint, could indeed suggest central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. This can lead to periods of stopped breathing during sleep, resulting in poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. The fact that you have experienced these symptoms after periods of sleep deprivation and stress may further support this possibility.

3. Sleep Measurement: Regarding sleep studies, a polysomnography (sleep study) is typically conducted to diagnose sleep apnea. If you have central sleep apnea, it may be detected during a single night of monitoring, but it can also be intermittent. Therefore, if your symptoms vary, it might be beneficial to have follow-up studies to capture different patterns of sleep and breathing. Your upcoming appointment at the sleep center will be crucial in determining the presence and type of sleep apnea.

4. Causes of Central Sleep Apnea: Aside from cardiac issues, central sleep apnea can be caused by various factors, including neurological conditions, certain medications, or even metabolic disorders. Given your history of mitral valve prolapse and the stress of your lifestyle, it is essential to consider these factors in your overall assessment. Conditions affecting the brainstem, which controls breathing, can also lead to central sleep apnea.

In summary, your symptoms could be related to both cervical spine issues and central sleep apnea. It is essential to continue working with your healthcare providers, including neurologists and sleep specialists, to explore these connections further. They may recommend imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, to assess your cervical spine and possibly a sleep study to evaluate your breathing patterns during sleep. Additionally, lifestyle modifications, such as improving sleep hygiene, managing stress, and addressing posture, may also help alleviate some of your symptoms.
Make sure to communicate all your symptoms clearly to your healthcare providers, as this will help them tailor their approach to your specific needs. Your proactive approach in seeking help is commendable, and I hope you find relief soon.

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