Blood Flow of the Middle Cerebral Artery With Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Abstract

With obstructive hypopneas and obstructive apneas, MCA blood flow is more often decreased in comparison to central apneas. MCA blood flow reductions occur with longer obstructive hypopneas and with those hypopneas with greater falls in oxygen saturation. These observations indicate pathophysiology relevant to an increased risk for stroke in heavy snorers and patients with obstructive hypopneas and apneas.