Joyce Lee-Iannotti, MD, the University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, discusses the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Clinicians can utilize various diagnostic methods to diagnose sleep apnea, including a thorough questionnaire and sleep lab or ambulatory home sleep studies. Following diagnosis, the next step is finding a suitable treatment option for the patient. Previously, there were limited treatment options for sleep apnea: continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been the standard of care for treating OSA, and other strategies included weight loss and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery. Yet there have been many developments in the past decade concerning alternative treatment options for sleep apnea. Oral appliances and upper airway stimulation have proven to be effective alternate treatment options, especially for those that do not respond well to CPAP. This interview took place at the American Academy of Neurology 2022 Congress in Seattle, WA.
