Sleep Apnea Treatments for Stroke

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Loud snoring is one of the primary indicators of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax, closing or narrowing the airway as someone breathes in. Insufficient air lowers blood oxygen levels, briefly jolting the person awake. A repeatedly collapsing airway during sleep creates negative air pressure inside the chest. That can reduce blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of a stroke. OSA is an independent risk factor for stroke. The more severe the sleep apnea, the higher the chance of having a stroke. If you are concerned about your sleep apnea, there is hope. We can help you with sleep apnea treatments for stroke.

If you think you have sleep apnea and need help managing the condition, your sleep, and your breathing, call the Babylon sleep apnea specialists at Babylon Dental Care at (631) 983-6665 for a consultation.

Table Of Contents

    What Is a Stroke?

    A stroke, also called a brain attack, occurs when blood stops flowing to the brain. The brain requires a constant supply of nutrients and oxygen to function correctly. Restricted blood flow can lead to medical issues, even for a minimal period. Brain cells can die without access to oxygen or blood after only a few minutes.

    The brain doesn’t work optimally when brain cells die. Stroke can affect a person’s ability to complete basic tasks, such as:

    • Controlling emotions
    • Speaking
    • Remembering and thinking
    • Controlling bladder and bowel function
    • Eating
    • Moving

    There are two main types of stroke:

    • Hemorrhagic stroke – A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing blood to spill into nearby brain tissue. Increased pressure in the tissue leads to more irritation and damage.
    • Ischemic stroke – An ischemic stroke is the most common type. It occurs when something blocks a major blood vessel in the brain, such as a buildup of fatty deposits or a blood clot.

    Most Common Symptoms of a Stroke

    A stroke requires emergency medical attention. It can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms can vary, but the most common signs of a stroke include:

    • Trouble walking or moving
    • Challenges speaking or understanding
    • Severe headaches with an unknown cause, especially if it appears suddenly
    • Numbness or weakness of the face, leg, or arm on one side of the body
    • Trouble with coordination or balance with dizziness
    • Loss of consciousness or seizure
    • Vision problems, such as loss of vision in one or both eyes or dimness

    Less common stroke symptoms include:

    • Mini stroke
    • Sudden vomiting or nausea unrelated to a viral illness
    • Brief change or loss of consciousness, such as seizures, fainting, coma, or confusion

    How to Treat Stroke

    If you have a stroke, seeking immediate treatment is crucial. You must get to a hospital so doctors can take note of your symptoms, medical history, and other vital information. They can take a brain scan to determine the type of stroke you had.

    Treating an ischemic stroke within three hours of the initial symptoms might require a thrombolytic. This type of drug breaks up blood clots, improving recovery and reducing the need for long-term care in a nursing home.

    Surgery, medications, or other types of treatment are necessary to stop bleeding and save brain tissue after a hemorrhagic stroke. Surgery can stop blood loss from a ruptured aneurysm. An endovascular procedure helps repair breaks or weak spots in a blood vessel.

    Some people experience ongoing complications after a stroke, including:

    • Numbness or strange sensations
    • Paralysis, weakness, or both on one side of the body
    • Trouble forming or understanding speech
    • Bowel or bladder control issues
    • Difficulty controlling or expressing emotions
    • Trouble with thinking, attention, memory, judgment, awareness, and learning
    • Depression
    • Pain in the feet or hands, worsening with temperature changes and movement
    • Trouble swallowing and chewing

    Stroke rehabilitation can manage symptoms and restore physical abilities. For example, physical therapy helps people relearn coordination and movement skills. Occupational therapy improves routine activities, such as dressing, bathing, and eating.

    How Sleep Apnea Increases the Risk of Stroke

    Sleep Apnea Treatments For Stroke

    According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, moderate to severe OSA is an independent risk factor for stroke.

    The Busselton Health study involved 397 adults who used a portable home sleep testing device starting in 1990. There were 31 strokes during the twenty-year follow-up period. Mild sleep apnea didn’t contribute to increased stroke, cancer, or death risk.

    However, the results showed people with moderate to severe OSA are four times likelier to have a stroke. The researchers adjusted the results for other factors, such as blood pressure, body mass index, total cholesterol, and smoking status.

    Although studies have shown a link between OSA and the risk of having a stroke, more studies are necessary to determine the reason for the increased risk. Experts have potential explanations, such as:

    • Heart structure defect – People with OSA are twice as likely to have a patent foramen ovale, a hole in the heart, increasing stroke risk.
    • Minimal oxygen – OSA reduces oxygen saturation, causing abnormal changes in the blood vessels in the brain.
    • Reduced blood flow to the brain – Blood flow to the brain slows when the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep and creates a negative air pressure inside the chest.
    • Effect on other stroke risk factors – OSA increases the chance of developing diabetes, heart disease, abnormal heart rhythm, and hypertension. These conditions and other medical issues from OSA raise the risk of a stroke.

    Treating Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy

    You might have heard about or even tried a CPAP device to treat sleep apnea. However, it’s not a suitable treatment for everyone. One of the most common issues people report with CPAP treatment is how uncomfortable it is to wear a mask while sleeping.

    At Babylon Dental Care, we use oral appliance therapy to treat sleep apnea patients. We can diagnose your condition to determine if this is the appropriate solution for you. You will receive a customized oral appliance to manage your symptoms and get you on the path to a better night’s sleep. Lowering incidents of stopped breathing while sleeping can also reduce your risk of a stroke.

    Struggling with Sleep Apnea? Contact Babylon Dental Care Now

    If you were diagnosed with sleep apnea or noticed symptoms of a sleep-related breathing disorder, contact Babylon Dental Care immediately. We will evaluate your symptoms to determine your type of sleep apnea and create an effective treatment plan. Call us at (631) 983-6665

    Testimonials

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    “This is quite possibly the most impressive Dental office I’ve ever seen. All the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The office is so gorgeous through out. I loved my hygienist, she was very knowledgeable and very thorough and informative about being proactive with your hygiene habits. Dr Hsu was amazing. I highly recommend him. Very professional and explains everything he’s doing and that you’re comfortable during the visit. I’m really glad I found this office and my new Dentist.”

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    “I went there during covid as my dentist was shut down by the pandemic. They really do everything they can to make you feel good about your experience. Melanie who cleans my teeth as well is wonderful and does a great job everything by the time I leave I don't want to go. Excellent place for dental work. They go above and beyond.”

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    “At Babylon Dental Care, “care” is given from arrival to check out. I was anxious; it had been a few years since my last filling. From the moment I walked into the exam room, Karen comforted me. She explained the process, answered my questions and talked with me to keep me calm. Dr. Wrann was excellent! I did not have any pain before, during or after the procedure. So happy! Thank you to a truly great team!”

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    “I cannot adequately express my appreciation for this practice. Best dental practice ever! Everyone is so kind, caring and respectful. I don't dread going to the dentist anymore. I've had a lot of work done and am extremely pleased. They are very gentle and strive to keep you pain free. Very professional from reception on up. I highly recommend Babylon Dental. Would give them 10 stars if I could!”

    Debra B

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    “I've never had such an amazing experience at a dentist. They are so kind, so caring, so friendly, and really make you feel appreciated and not just like a patient number. I am blown away by the care I received here, and will be recommending them to everyone I know!”

    Jessica C

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    “Babylon Dental Care is an amazing practice! I had an issue with my teeth and they took me immediately. Their friendly and compassionate staff walked me through each step and in a matter of a week I had that tooth extracted and my flipper ready for every day use! You can’t even tell I have it in! The office is spotless and they even have Netflix! How cool is that! You’re welcomed as soon as you walk in and they made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Golo and Dr. Knakal took such good care of me and I would recommend them to anyone! The office is so convenient and literally across the street from my home so it doesn’t get better than that! Thank you Babylon Dental!”

    Joseph S

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    “I recently moved approximately 300 miles away, I continue to make the trip back to Babylon Dental Care. My hygienist Paige could not be kinder, friendlier or professional. I have been having issues with bone loss in my jaws and now it's time for implants. Dr. Knakal has been outstanding. I know I am in the best hands. Everyone I have dealt with at BDC from the receptionists to the checkout personnel are awesome! I will be continuing to make the trip for all my dental care.”

    Pete R

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    “Very professional staff and the hygienist Melody is amazing. The dentist are very thorough and they explained every little bit of details of your procedure. They make you feel so relaxed and welcoming. I would recommend Babylon Dental Care to anyone.”

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    “Professional and courteous staff, every time I come here I’m more than satisfied. Dr Wrann & Dr Knakal are exceptionally good. I would highly recommend Babylon Dental!”

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    “I've been coming here for about a year and a half. I have always had Francesca and she's great. She's always professional, friendly and honest with me. They have a pretty good system with the walkie-talkies too which makes the process more or less pretty smooth. I also really appreciate that they are transparent up front with cost, not many places are like that in my experiences.”

    Scott A

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    “I have been using Babylon Dental Care for almost 10 years. Dr. Brown, Jen, Melody and Michelle are incredible. They are always concerned with the patients well being and health making it a different experience. They treat you like family, not a patient. I use them for dentistry and their silent night therapy. Thank you for taking care of my family. Great job team!”

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    “First time here, never felt so comfortable at the dentist. Super clean and friendly staff. Corrin and Dr. Brown are absolutely wonderful! Very thorough and knowledgeable.”

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    “I would highly recommend Babylon Dental Care. The Drs and Staff are all very friendly and professional. They take the extra time to explain the procedures which are truly done gently and with care. I saw Dr. Knakal and Dr. Diamond. The lobby is comfortable and the dental work areas are immaculate. Also, I have never had to wait very long before being seen!”

    Regina B

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    “First visit and everyone was so nice and made the transition to a new dentist seamless! Corinn did a great cleaning and explained everything as she was doing it!”

    Kayleigh P

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    “Everyone in the Patchogue office are wonderful! Kind, caring, and attentive. I have always hated dentists but I am never anxious to come there. I can honestly say I have NEVER felt this at ease. Thank you all for making this a wonderful experience for me. I won’t ever hesitate to go to the dentist again!”

    Susan G

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    “From the moment I walked in it was a great experience. The facility is modern and clean. I was treated extremely well. And I really don't like going to the dentist but I'm actually looking forward to my next visit. Everyone I met was great! Thank you for making me feel comfortable.”

    Tom M

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    “Dr. David and the entire staff at Babylon Dental Care are amazing! Every single person who works there is so kind compassionate. I’m a very nervous patient and Dr. David and his assistant Amber made me feel so at ease. I highly recommend Babylon Dental Care especially if you’re an anxious patient!”

    Elisabeth D

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    “Love this office and all staff! From the front desk, to the hygienist, the dentists and the lovely ladies that check you out, it’s a top notch experience. I trust them 100%!”

    Marian P

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    “This was my first time at this Dental office. I went in for a cleaning and dental exam. The office is Clean and modern. I felt comfortable and welcomed right from the start. My hygienist 'Melody' was great! I feel that she was very thorough, talked me through everything she was doing and made recommendations for improving my routine at home. My dental exam with Dr. Diamond was just as pleasant. I liked that she also took her time and I didn't feel rushed. All-in-all it was a good experience. The entire team at the clinic displayed a high level of professionalism and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.”

    Brenda S

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    “I had my teeth cleaned by Melody and she did an incredible job. She is gentle, and caring. My teeth look and feel amazing! I normally hate going to the dentist but now look forward to my cleanings with Melody and this location! Everyone is this office is so kind and sweet from the moment you walk in.”

    Gillian W

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    “Really love this office, they are so kind and non judge mental, I have dealt with so many judge mental dental offices and I have felt totally at ease here. Truly grateful to find them. Dr David is so gentle and for the first time ever I don’t have an anxiety attack coming in to the dentist. The ladies in the front are a pleasure as well, Beth is a breathe of fresh air.”

    Angela P

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    “Absolutely incredible team. From the very moment you walk in you're greeted with kindness and people who want to help you. When I was asked how everything was I literally told them I was speechless. Having had terrible experiences as a kid with dentistry I wasn't sure if the nice things I've heard and read would live up to my expectation. I'm so glad they met them, and even went above and beyond what I had imagined. They offered me several options (a comfort menu) for things I could ask for to help make the time go by easier and with less anxiety.. all for free! If you have been holding off due to how long it's been and how anxious you might be then take this as your sign to look into coming here. I really truly am so glad I overcame my fear and made my appointment, they are just *that* good”

    Brian K