If you have questions about treatment for infants, children, or adolescents, please contact us at 828-213-4670. We will work with you to get the sleep disorder care or services you need.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA is the most common disorder diagnosed in the pediatric sleep lab and presents one or more of the following symptoms in children:
- Audible breathing interruptions at night
- Poor attention span
- Falling asleep in class
- Snoring every night
We conduct approximately 100 pediatric sleep studies a year. Often, we do these studies in conjunction with a pH probe (a device used to detect acidity in the esophagus) or by monitoring end-tidal carbon dioxide when special needs are apparent. End-tidal carbon dioxide is a way of checking for hypoventilation (insufficient breathing during sleep to meet metabolic demands).
When OSA is diagnosed, about 75 percent of these children will undergo the surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoid glands to clear the airway for relief from OSA. Another effective treatment, especially for those with neuromuscular conditions or obesity, is called the BiPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure), a ventilation device worn at night.
Children with Neuromuscular and Muscle Weakness Disorders
Our work is distinguished by our experience treating sleep problems that arise as the result of muscular weakness from conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (or other muscular dystrophies) and spinal muscular atrophy, as well as neuromuscular disorders, such as Down's syndrome, Prader-Willi and cerebral palsy. If sleep or breathing problems are diagnosed, we have special programs to institute noninvasive ventilation (such as BiPAP) and teach coughing techniques.
To learn more about muscle weakness and neuromuscular disorders, you may wish to visit the following websites:
- United Cerebral Palsy
- National Association for Down Syndrome
- Muscular Dystrophy Association
Parasomnias
Nightmares, night terrors, sleep walking and talking should be discussed with a doctor if the child's disturbed sleep causes one or more of the following:
- Potentially dangerous behavior
- Extreme disturbance of other household members
- Excessive sleepiness during the day
Whatever the sleep problem, we're here to help. Our experienced staff can provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment programs that will allow your child to sleep better and lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.
For more information please contact the Sleep Center at 828-213-4670.
