If central sleep apnea is due to heart failure, the goal is to treat the heart failure itself. In the case of idiopathic apnea or brainstem problems, nasal CPAP may be used to allow breathing.
Expectations (prognosis):
For idiopathic apnea, the outlook is usually favorable. In congestive heart failure, an aggressive treatment of the heart may improve the outlook. If the cause is a brainstem injury, the outlook tends to be worse.
Complications:
Complications may result from prolonged mechanical ventilation and from the underlying disease causing the syndrome.
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms that might indicate sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is usually diagnosed in patients who are already severely ill.
Review Date: 11/1/2004
Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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