Sleep-disordered breathing and stroke: A relation to be considered.

ABSTRACT

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. Despite expensive and elaborative research in finding out mechanisms of interrelation between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and stroke, there is yet much attention to be given in stroke units worldwide to the prompt diagnosis and treatment of SDB in order to improve morbidity and mortality rates related with stroke. The preventive diagnosis and treatment of SDB reduce stroke rate and improves penumbra area in case of ischemic stroke. Stroke itself predispose to SDB, making the interrelationship more complicated. The review by Parra O and Arboix A reflects the results from carefully selected reviews reported in the literature so far. This review of the literature and presentation of the original study of the Authors based on their patients' data, enhances the conviction that there exists a direct relation between SDB and stroke. Diagnosis of SDB in new stroke cases should be sought and treated carefully whenever present.