The effect of continuous positive airway pressure on spectral encephalogram characteristics in stroke patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compared to usual care in stroke patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) over one month reduces delta and alpha oscillations on quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) in association with improvements in cognitive or functional outcomes. METHODS: Spectral EEG analysis was performed in patients with subacute stroke and OSA randomized to usual care or CPAP treatment from a previous study. RESULTS: A total of 23 subjects were included. Compared to CPAP (n = 14), those in the control (n = 9) group demonstrated a significant increase in alpha power (p = 0.042). There was no between group differences for delta, theta or beta power. No significant correlation was demonstrated between the change in alpha power and indices of OSA severity or sleepiness. The increase in alpha power did not correlate with improvements in outcomes. CONCLUSION: Contrary to expectations CPAP treatment of OSA did not significantly decrease alpha and delta oscillations in stroke subjects.