Blink test results in patients with central sleep apnea syndrome

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether there was a problem in the interneuronal junctions of patients with central sleep apnea using the blink reflex test. Twenty-one (21) patients with central type apneas and/or hipopneas and 21 controls were recruited. The blink reflex test was performed and R1, R2 and contralateral R2 (R3) wave values of both groups were recorded in milliseconds (ms). The results of blink test in patients with central sleep apnea were right side R1 = 9.45 ± 4.35 ms, R2 = 33.35 ± 9.97 ms, R3 = 32.15 ± 10.05 ms and left side R1 = 9.90 ± 3.82 ms, R2 = 31.5 ± 10.5 ms, R3 = 29.00 ± 4.77 ms, (p = 0.49, p = 0.69, p = 0.60, respectively), whereas the results of blink test in controls were right side R1 = 9.25 ± 3.50 ms, R2 = 32.75 ± 11.4 ms, R3 = 32.50 ± 13.12 ms and left side R1 = 7.35 ± 2.6 ms, R2 = 27.75 ± 9.75 ms, R3 = 26.65 ± 14.5 ms. (p = 0.015, p = 0.04, p = 0.035, respectively). All left side (R1, R2, R3) blink reflex of the patients with central sleep apnea was statistically significant prolonged than controls. However, there was no statistically significant difference between women with central sleep apnea and controls regarding all right side (R1, R2, R3) blink reflex. There was statistically significant difference in R1, R2 and R3 waves of left sides blink reflex between two groups. The results may be related to central nervous system damage or/and degeneration in the interneuronal junctions of the brain stem in patients with central sleep apnea syndrome.