Treatment of Sleep Apnea in Patients with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) suffer from a multitude of sleep disorders, including sleep-disordered breathing. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with chronic SCI, especially cervical spine injury, have not received sufficient attention and investigation. Our proposed studies will be the first comprehensive investigation of potential therapies for sleep apnea in a large number of patients, spanning two different health systems. We will explore three potential treatment pathways that may lead to recurrent sleep apnea in this population. Our study has significant clinical applications; our findings may lead to further large clinical trials to test definitive therapeutic interventions that will improve health and quality of life in patients with cervical SCI. We anticipate that we can achieve a favorable person-related outcome in less than a decade. Anticipated therapies are likely to benefit a large proportion of patients with cervical SCI who have sleep apnea, estimated at more than 80% of these patients. The proposed research project is likely to improve sleep, daytime function, and quality of life for patients with SCI.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jan 31, 2017
Source ID
W81XWH1610436

Entities

People

  • M. Badr

Organizations

  • United States Army
  • Wayne State University

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Circadian Sleep-Wake Regulation and Chronobiology
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.