When we hear that a patient suffers from a certain type of chronic headache, our antennae for sleep-apnea-related problems goes up right away. You see, this sleep disorder results in a wide array of symptoms that do not always tip off the sufferer that sleep apnea is the underlying cause. The good news, however, is that by scheduling six-month dental checkups, we can listen to your concerns, ask the right questions, and quickly diagnose you with this sleep disorder. By following this up with sleep apnea treatment, you can enjoy relief from associated side effects, including those frustrating headaches. Become more familiar with the details by considering some common questions (and answers).
Questions And Answers About Sleep Apnea Headaches
Question: People get headaches for a variety of reasons – how do I know if my headache is associated with sleep apnea?
Answer: You will only know by visiting us for a consultation. An examination and discussion with you will allow us to provide you with an accurate diagnosis. A sleep apnea headache typically occurs every day with pain lasting up to two hours. Discomfort resides above both eyebrows.
Question: How does sleep apnea cause headaches in the first place?
Answer: If you need sleep apnea treatment it’s because you aren’t breathing consistently each night. When you stop breathing for moments at a time, your brain and blood become deprived of oxygen. As a result, the veins and arteries in your brain expand, which leads to discomfort.
Question: Is there a special type of sleep apnea treatment to address my symptomatic headaches?
Answer: The treatment we use to address your sleep disorder is all it takes to get rid of symptoms like headaches. For immediate relief, we suggest taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
