Central apnea
In 10% of cases, sleep apnea syndrome can
be central (CSA). It is an anomaly of the control of the respiratory muscles and
it causes the stop (apnea) or reduction (hypopnea) of breathing for periods
greater than 10 seconds.
It is often linked to heart failure. The reference method for diagnosing central apnea
is the esophageal pressure measurement.
Central sleep apnea is classified into 6 categories, primary, Cheyne Stokes, secondary, breathing
Periodic high, child and related to drug taken.
Reference treatment is ventilation by auto adjusting Continuous Positive Airway Pressure "CPAP"
or bilevel pressure ventilator "bilevel".