Objectives: The hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HNS) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a relatively healthy subset of the population. Our aim was to determine the efficacy of HNS in a veteran population with a high incidence of chronic disease and mental health disorders. Our secondary aim was to compare subjective outcomes and adherence between veterans with and without mental health disorders.

Methods: We included all patients who underwent HNS at our institution to date. Veterans were divided into two groups based on whether or not they carried a diagnosis of anxiety, depression, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder. Demographics, comorbidities, previous OSA treatments, adverse events, and adherence to therapy were recorded. Baseline and treatment outcome data were collected and analyzed including polysomnographic parameters, Epworth sleepiness scale score (ESS), and body mass index.

Results: Thirty-one patients were identified: 93.5% male, median age = 63.0 years. Median apnea hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 30.0 to 3.0 events/hour (P < .001) and median ESS dropped from 11.0 to 6.5 (P < .001). There was no difference between groups with regard to change in AHI or ESS (P = .31 and .61). Twenty-six (89.7%) patients achieved surgical success (decrease in AHI > 50% and AHI < 20 events/hour) and 21 (72.4%) had AHI < 5 events/hour. The mean device usage was 5.4 hours/night which was not significantly different between groups (P = .55).

Conclusion: Our cohort exhibited similar declines in AHI and ESS compared to published studies with adequate adherence to HNS. There were no significant differences in ESS or adherence to therapy between veterans with and without mental health disorders.

Level Of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:2275-2280, 2020.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/lary.28422DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

hypoglossal nerve
8
obstructive sleep
8
sleep apnea
8
mental health
8
p < 001
8
nerve stimulation
4
stimulation veterans
4
veterans obstructive
4
apnea objectives
4
objectives hypoglossal
4

Similar Publications

Case: A 47-year-old man presented with neck pain, restricted neck movements, along with involvement of facial and hypoglossal nerve. On the basis of clinico-radiological correlation, the patient was diagnosed with craniovertebral junction tuberculosis and was started on antitubercular therapy (ATT). Failing the conservative trial, the patient was operated and occipitocervical fusion was done with bone grafting.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This is a case report of a rare hypoglossal nerve paresis after tonsillectomy in a healthy 29-year-old woman. While she made a full recovery, she experienced 6-8 weeks of dysphagia, dysarthria and had to be readmitted because of dehydration. As direct intraoperative trauma is unlikely due to the protected course of the nerve, we discuss possible mechanisms and suggest precautions to avoid similar neuropraxia - such as avoiding overinflation of the laryngeal mask airway, regularly relieving the tongue pressure and using careful manipulation of the tongue base if necessary.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Lower Cranial Nerves in the Neck: An Anatomical Study.

Cureus

December 2024

Otorhinolaryngology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de São João, Porto, PRT.

Objectives The aim of this anatomical study was to analyze distances and anatomical relations between the lower cranial nerves and important neck landmarks. Methods Anatomical study based on neck dissection in Thiel-embalmed cadavers. Anatomical relations and distances between the vagus (X), accessory (XI), and hypoglossal (XII) nerves and important neck landmarks were registered and compared.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common disease that benefits from early treatment and patient support in order to prevent secondary illnesses. This study assesses the capability of the large language model (LLM) ChatGPT-4o to offer patient support regarding first line positive airway pressure (PAP) and second line hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) therapy.

Methods: Seventeen questions, each regarding PAP and HGNS therapy, were posed to ChatGPT-4o.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Structural remodeling of the brain cortex and functional recovery following hypoglossal-facial neurorrhaphy in patients with facial paralysis.

Brain Res

December 2024

Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 10070, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 10070, China; U1195, Inserm et Universite Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicetre, France. Electronic address:

Objective: Peripheral nerve injury results in functional alterations of the corresponding active brain areas, which are closely related to functional recovery. Whether such functional plasticity induces relative anatomical structural changes remains to be investigated.

Methods: In this study, we investigated the changes in brain cortical thickness in patients with facial paralysis following neurorrhaphy treatment at different follow-up times.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!