How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    When OSA is suspected, a physician will first inquire about any history of snoring or typical symptoms such as daytime sleepiness. A medical exam of the neck, mouth, and throat will also be performed to examine the airway. Screening tools such as the STOP-Bang questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) may be used to determine a person’s risk for OSA.[1] The only way to confirm a diagnosis of OSA is by conducting a polysomnography (sleep study) test, which measures sleep stages and cycles.[2]

    References

    1. ^Kapur VK, Auckley DH, Chowdhuri S, Kuhlmann DC, Mehra R, Ramar K, Harrod CGClinical Practice Guideline for Diagnostic Testing for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline.J Clin Sleep Med.(2017-Mar-15)
    2. ^Rundo JV, Downey RPolysomnography.Handb Clin Neurol.(2019)