How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed?
Diagnosis of OSA should be made by a primary care physician, pulmonologist, neurologist or other physician with specialty training in sleep disorders. Diagnosis is not simple because there can be many different reasons for disturbed sleep. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for obstructive sleep apnea may include a sleep history and evaluation of the upper airway. Polysomnography is the most common test used to determine if obstructive sleep apnea is present. Sometimes, simpler portable diagnostic procedures could be used to diagnose OSA. However, if the test doesnt confirm OSA in a symptomatic patient, a full polysomnography test will need to be performed. A Polysomnography patient sleeps in a laboratory overnight. Electrodes are attached to the scalp, on the outer edge of the eyelids and to the skin on the chin. Belts are placed around the chest and abdomen. A cannula is placed in the nose to measure airflow and a probe is placed
