Headache in sleep apnea syndrome

Headache. 2004 Jun;44(6):603-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2004.446009.x.

Abstract

Objective: To find out whether there is a relationship between the headache characteristics and polysomnographic findings in patients with prediagnosis of the sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) and, if there is, to search for its possible cause.

Background: Chronic morning headache is considered by many to be an important part of the SAS. Some reports support this relationship, and some do not.

Methods: We questioned 75 patients with SAS about headache. Headaches were classified according to the International Headache Society (IHS-88) system. We evaluated the relationship between headache and polysomnographic findings.

Results: There was no statistically significant relationship between headache and apnea hypopnea index (AHI) or minimal oxygen saturation (P >.05).

Conclusions: We could not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between headache, AHI, and minimal oxygen saturation in our patients with SAS.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Headache / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / etiology
  • Polysomnography
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / complications*
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / diagnosis