Two case study reports of sleep apnoea in patients with paraplegia

Study design: Case studies of sleep apnoea occurring in two patients with paraplegia. Objective: To raise awareness of sleep apnoea in paraplegia. Setting: Belfast, Northern Ireland. Case report: We report two patients with paraplegia, one who was having apparent episodes of loss of consciousness and the other daytime somnolence, who were found to have sleep apnoea. The first patient had been medically investigated extensively and a diagnosis of epilepsy was being considered. A joint consultation with the respective partners in each case revealed periods of night-time apnoea and led to sleep study investigations. Conclusion: Sleep apnoea is a treatable condition that can occur in patients with paraplegia who are not necessarily obese. Once diagnosed, resolution of symptoms can be rapid and can result in improved quality of life for patients.