USEFULNESS OF POLYSOMNOGRAPHY IN EPILEPSY PATIENTS

We reviewed the records of 63 adult epilepsy patients who underwent po lysomnograms in our laboratory since 1985 to determine the indications for polysomnography and the results of testing. Reasons for referral included excessive daytime sleepiness, suspected obstructive sleep apn ea (OSA), and characterization of nocturnal spells. The most common po lysomnographic diagnosis was OSA, although we also found narcolepsy, i nsufficient sleep syndrome with possible idiopathic hypersomnolence, a nd previously unrecognized nocturnal seizures. We treated OSA with con tinuous positive airway pressure in 28 patients, 15 of whom were using the device at follow-up appointments. The majority of patients treate d for OSA or other disorders reported an improvement in sleepiness or seizure control. Polysomnography, when indicated, is beneficial in epi lepsy patients.