EXAMPLE OF DIAGNOSTIC AND TITRATION

DIAGNOSTIC POLYSOMNOGRAM TIRTRATION POLYSOMNOGRAM DESCRIPTION OF SLEEP STUDIES DIAGNOSTIC POLYSOMNOGRAM This patient demonstrates severe obstructive apnea. The results of this study had an AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index) of 24.3. That means that the patient either stops breathing or has shallow breathing 24.3 times an hour on average. The patient's oxygen level dropped to a low of 67% (it should stay above 90%), as demonstrated in this illustration.  Click to enlarge The oxygen levels drop during the respiratory event. Following the event is an arousal (evident in the chin channel and EEG channels, C3A2 - O2A1). The heart rate (HR) increases as a result of the arousal. So, what does this all mean? When an obstructive respiratory event occurs, the oxygen level begins to come down (lack of oxygen). This sends a signal to the brain and the brain sends a signal to the body to awake and begin breathing again. The brain uses adrenalin to awaken the body. This is why the heart rate increases. This physiological process repeats itself throughout the night, preventing the patient from getting a full night's rest, which can lead to a series of health problems. TIRTRATION POLYSOMNOGRAM The oxygen level stays at 97% without decreasing. The heart rate and rhythm remains steady. In this five-minute segment, there are no arousals or respiratory events. This patient went from having 24.3 respiratory events an hour to zero.  Click to enlarge What does this mean? No more waking up in the middle of the night gasping for air and no more snoring. No more morning headaches. No more naps. Increased metabolism and more energy.