CENTRAL APNEAS Meaning and
Definition
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Central apneas are a type of sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by a temporary cessation or reduction in breathing during sleep due to a lack of respiratory effort. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, which is caused by a physical blockage in the airway, central apneas occur when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the respiratory muscles to initiate breathing.
During a central apnea episode, the brain's regulatory centers responsible for controlling breathing temporarily cease to function properly, resulting in a pause in the breathing cycle. This interruption in breathing can last for a few seconds to several minutes, depriving the body of much-needed oxygen and leading to disruptive sleep patterns.
Central apneas can be classified into two categories: primary central apnea and central sleep apnea. Primary central apnea is mainly caused by an imbalance in the brain's regulation of breathing, often associated with certain medical conditions or the use of certain medications. Central sleep apnea, on the other hand, occurs when the brain fails to transmit the appropriate signals to the respiratory muscles due to instability in the respiratory control system.
Diagnosing central apneas typically involves polysomnography, which measures various physiological functions during sleep, such as brain activity, eye movement, and airflow. Treatment options may include addressing underlying medical conditions, discontinuing medications that may contribute to central apneas, and using positive airway pressure therapy devices like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to help maintain a consistent airflow.
Overall, central apneas are a sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by temporary interruptions in breathing caused by a failure of the brain's respiratory control centers, leading to disturbed sleep and oxygen deprivation.
Common Misspellings for CENTRAL APNEAS
- xentral apneas
- ventral apneas
- fentral apneas
- dentral apneas
- cwntral apneas
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- cehtral apneas
- cenrral apneas
- cenfral apneas
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- cen6ral apneas
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Etymology of CENTRAL APNEAS
The word "apnea" originates from the Greek word "apnoia", which means "absence of breathing". "Central" is derived from the Latin word "centralis", which pertains to something located in the center. Consequently, the term "Central Apneas" combines the concept of the absence of breathing (apnea) with the idea of a central location, suggesting that this type of apnea involves a dysfunction in the central nervous system's control of breathing.
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