STROKE AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Course overview

Stroke is an interruption of blood supply to the brain due to vessel blockage by a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or rupture of a vessel, causing blood to leak into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction and reduction in ventilation, both increases risk of stroke and is a potential complication of stroke. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of stroke and OSA, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.