Diaphragm Weakness and Sleep Apnea
Question: Can sleep apnea be related to a weakened diaphragm? During my last surgery they kept waking me to breathe. I've never experienced this during any surgery.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: You need to remember that muscles are not damaged in polio survivors; it’s the nerves that turn on the muscles that are damaged.
The nerves in your brain stem that make you breathe were likely damaged and can cause “CENTRAL” SLEEP APNEA, where your brain forgets to tell your diaphragm to move. Damage can also cause “OBSTRUCTIVE“ SLEEP APNEA, which is when the muscles of your throat get floppy and close off your airway.
Your problem during surgery was more likely obstructive apnea but could have been central as well. A sleep study could tell you which one it was, keeping in mind that you could have both kinds of apnea.
Please talk to your doctor.