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Sleep Apnea Guide
Child Sleep Apnea May Produce Notably Reduced IQ Scores
Although we have known for some time that children who have sleep apnea normally turn in low scores on IQ tests (usually scoring about 85 as opposed to a score of 101 without sleep apnea) what we have not known until recently is that this results from chemical changes taking place in the brain. This means that an otherwise 'smart' child could well turn in an average performance as a result of a sleep disorder which can be quite simply treated in the majority of cases.
In a recent study which was conducted at the Hopkin's Children's Centre a total of 31 children aged between 6 and 16 (19 of whom were suffering from severe sleep apnea) were examined with a form or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and it was found that the sleep apnea children demonstrated significant changes in both the hippocampus and right frontal cortex - two areas of the brain which are linked with learning and higher mental function. This sleep apnea research children project also discovered that these children had altered levels of three specific chemicals in the brain that is an indicator of brain damage.
This alteration of the chemistry of the brain resulting from sleep apnea in children might or might not be permanent and additional studies will be required to see whether this affect can be reversed. Nevertheless, even if reversal is possible and the cognitive function and chemistry of the brain can be normalized, sleep apnea children are going to continue to show a loss in learning as long as they suffer from sleep apnea which is not treated and they will certainly not be able to turn back the clock and regain this learning period.
Parents should naturally already be on the lookout for signs of obstructive sleep apnea in children but this study indicates that the early diagnosis and treatment of this sleep disorder could well have a very significant affect on your child's success in life.
The indications of sleep apnea may include frequent pauses in breathing during sleep which often produce an arousal from sleep as well as tossing and turning. A child could also display labored and loud breathing, coughing, snoring, gasping and, now and again, bedwetting at an age when this phase should normally have passed. Parents may also notice a child sleeping in an unusual position, possibly with their bottom in the air and their head slanted backwards in an unconscious effort to force open their airway.
In the majority of cases sleep apnea in children may be treated by surgically removing the adenoids and tonsils or excess tissue from the rear of the throat or nose. In addition, a CPAP (continuous positive airways pressure) machine may also be recommended to provide the child with a flow of air which is delivered through a mask worn while sleeping to keep the airway open.
Sleep apnea is in itself debilitating for any child and the affects of a lengthy period of restless sleep will take its toll on your child's health. But, when you mix this with an impairment of your child's IQ, it becomes very important that you act at the earliest possible opportunity to have sleep apnea in children diagnosed and treated.
The information contained here should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider.
The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and in no way should be considered as an offering of medical advice.
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