What is sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (ICD-9-CM 327.23) is the most common form of sleep apnea and is caused by an airway blockage that occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat narrows or closes during sleep. The brain then senses the inability to breathe and briefly arouses the person to begin breathing again. True obstructive sleep apnea occurs when tissues block the upper airway (e.g. large adenoids, deviated septum).
Central sleep apnea (ICD –9-CM 327.27) occurs when the brain does not send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing which results in the person awakening with shortness of breath. (more…)
Vascular and Bowel Injuries During Laparoscopy
David Anaise MD JD discusses common reasons for vascular and bowel injuries during laparoscopy.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This article is based largely on the following articles. The readers are encouraged to read these excellent articles in their totality.
Paul Lin MD Daniel R. Grow MD COMPLICATIONS OF LAPAROSCOPY Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics Volume 26 • Number 1 • March 1999
Abdominal access complications in laparoscopic surgery Philips PA, Amaral JF Journal of the American College of Surgeons – April 2001 (Vol. 192, Issue 4)
Trocar injuries in laparoscopic surgery Bhoyrul S, Vierra MA, Nezhat CR, Krummel TM, Way LW
Journal of the American College of Surgeons – June 2001 (Vol. 192, Issue 6)
Major vascular injuries during gynecologic laparoscopy Chapron CM, Pierre F, Lacroix S, Querleu D, Lansac J, Dubuisson JB Journal of the American College of Surgeons – November 1997 (Vol. 185, Issue 5)
Myriam J. Curet MD SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY Surgical Clinics of North America Volume 80 • Number 4 • August 2000
The VA Acknowledged a Strong Link Between Tinnitus and Sleep Apnea — But Wrongly Dismissed It
In this case, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) conceded that there’s a strong correlation between the veteran’s tinnitus and his obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—but denied the claim by arguing there’s no causation. That decision fails to recognize how modern science, law, and VA precedent treat the connection between correlation and causation. (more…)
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep-related breathing disorder. It happens when a person’s airflow stops or is greatly reduced during sleep, even though they’re still trying to breathe. This is usually caused by the airway becoming blocked or collapsing temporarily during sleep. (more…)
Sleep Apnea and Heart Health
Sleep apnea, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is linked to many heart and blood vessel problems, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure. Because of this connection, doctors are increasingly focusing on treating sleep apnea not just to improve sleep but also to prevent or manage heart disease. (more…)
Sleep Apnea and Headaches or Migraines
Sleep problems and headaches often go hand in hand. Pain from headaches can make it hard to sleep, and poor sleep can trigger or worsen headaches. This two-way connection has been known for a long time and is now supported by growing scientific research. (more…)
Sleep Apnea and Heart Health
Sleep apnea, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is linked to many heart and blood vessel problems, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure. Because of this connection, doctors are increasingly focusing on treating sleep apnea not just to improve sleep but also to prevent or manage heart disease. (more…)
Sleep Apnea in Veterans: Why PTSD, Mood Disorders, and Tinnitus Matter
Many veterans struggle with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. While sleep apnea is often linked to age and obesity in the general population, veterans face very different risk factors that are often overlooked. (more…)
Why the VA Should Use Veteran Data—Not Just General Population Statistics
The Veterans Affairs (VA) Board of Appeals made a critical error by relying on general population data to evaluate the causes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In the civilian world, sleep apnea is most often linked to obesity and aging. But for veterans, the reality is very different. (more…)
How Tinnitus Contributes to Sleep Apnea in Veterans
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to stop breathing for short periods during sleep. One type—obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—happens when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close. For veterans dealing with both tinnitus (a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears) and obesity, there’s growing evidence that tinnitus plays a key role in causing or worsening OSA. (more…)