Evaluation of Treatment Effects on Patients with Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders and Epilepsy Comorbidity

Objective: Epilepsy and sleep-related breathing disorders (SBD) are among the most prevalent conditions in neurology.This study aimed to compare sleep parameters in patients with primary snoring-epilepsy (PrS-E) and severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome-epilepsy (OSAS-E).Additionally, the study sought to assess the mutual effects of treatments administered in each clinical area on the other.Materials and Methods: Patients who were subjected to follow-up in the sleep laboratory and epilepsy outpatient clinic between 2006 and 2022 were analysed retrospectively, following approval from ethics committe.The demographic data, medical history, characteristics of epileptic seizures, electroencephalograms (EEGs) and antiseizure drugs (ASD) before and after SBD treatment were compared.The effect on sleep structure and respiratory issues of lowering the dose of ASD after SBD treatment was also assessed. Results:The study included 28 patients with PrS-E and 28 patients with severe OSAS-E.Focal onset impaired awareness focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures were found to be more prevalent in both groups.Following treatment for SBD, there was a decline in seizure severity and frequency, a resolution of EEG pathologies, or a decrease ASDs in both groups.The reduction in ASDs and treatment for SBD resulted in an improvement in sleep structure, a reduction in body mass index, snoring, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Conclusion:Treating SBDs can lead to a reduction in the dosage of ASD, improved sleep structure, and decreased snoring.This study demonstrated mutual benefits in the management of both epilepsy and SBDs.SBD symptoms should be investigated in epilepsy patients, and the presence of epileptic seizures should be considered in patients with SBD.