EStroke and Sleep Disorders

There is compelling evidence that suggests an independent association, possibly causal in nature, between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cerebrovascular diseases such as transient ischemic attack and stroke. OSA is a preventable and treatable risk factor for stroke. Stroke patients with OSA represent a population at higher risk for recurrent stroke, mortality, and poorer functional outcomes than stroke patients without OSA. Continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) therapy provides short- and long-term benefits for these patients. Stroke patients should be screened for OSA and other sleep disorders to implement the appropriate treatment in the early phase of the cerebrovascular event.