Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Patient with Cerebral Palsy

IntroductionObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common amongst patients with cerebral palsy in part due to significant hypotonia. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is a novel tool used to treat sleep apnea when there is failure with CPAP. To our knowledge, the literature has not discussed HGNS as a treatment option for severe OSA in patients with cerebral palsy.MethodsCase report and literature review.ResultsA 28-year-old male with cerebral palsy, neuromuscular deformity, proximal junction kyphosis, and developmental delay presented with severe obstructive sleep apnea and was intolerant to CPAP and BiPAP. After HGNS implantation, a sleep study revealed improved ventilation and oxygenation at 2.4 V; AHI decreased from baseline of 112 to 12 events per hour with only mild intermittent snoring. The patient's family reported increased utilization compared with previous CPAP use.ConclusionHGNS can be a safe and effective treatment modality for OSA in this patient population. Laryngoscope, 2023

Automated summary

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) can be a safe and effective treatment modality for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with cerebral palsy.