What is the recommended treatment for OSA in patients with stroke?
The American College of Physicians recommends CPAP as the initial therapy for treating patients with OSA. Studies of various populations have found that CPAP effectively reduces the AHI and improves measures of sleepiness, BP control, sleep-related quality of life, and physical functioning. As limited data from small trials show, CPAP is safe, reduces the AHI, improves sleepiness, and may improve neurological function. Mandibular advancement devices are an alternative for those who cannot tolerate CPAP or prefer this option, although they have not been specifically tested in patients with stroke.