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Professor
Mc Nicholas, respiratory consultant with a special interest in sleep
exclusively refers patients to the sleep lab. Patients with sleep
disorders all experience excessive daytime sleepiness which has many
effects including reduced cognitive function, increased irritability,
depression, fall in productivity, risk of road traffic accidents. A
diagnostic study is therefore required for differential diagnosis.
Specialist
Areas
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Diagnosis
and treatment of sleep apnoea.
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Obstructive
sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition
where the patient stops breathing repeatedly during sleep due to
collapse of the upper airway. Patients are excessively tired and may
have a history of witnessed apnoeas and/or heavy snoring.
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Another
more rare form of sleep apnoea, central apnoea may be present in the
absence of snoring.
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Other
sleep disorders investigated include Restless legs syndrome, (RLS).
(Periodic Leg Movement Syndrome (PLMS) and Narcolepsy.
Diagnostic
studies:
Take place overnight in SVPH and include detailed monitoring of sleep and
respiratory patterns and limb movements.(Polysomnography) All studies are
continuously supervised by dedicated Scientists which offers reassurance
to the patient and ensures a high standard of overnight recording.
Expert analysis of sleep and respiratory patterns follows.
Treatment
studies:
Patients
diagnosed with OSA are referred for treatment assessment with continuous
positive airway pressure (CPAP). Overnight study will assess the optimum
pressure (prescription) for each patient.
On
night of study there is
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Education
session with respiratory scientist (DVD’s literature etc)
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Demonstration
of CPAP
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Mask
fitting
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Supervised
overnight monitoring by dedicated staff,
Following
the study, home provision of CPAP is arranged.
The
unit also offers support & follow-up for patients on treatment
Patients
who opt for treatment with a mandibular advancement device (MAD) may be
referred for a repeat sleep study while wearing the device, as an
assessment of the efficacy of treatment.
Access
to Services
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Patients
are referred to the sleep lab via Professor Walter Mc Nicholas’
clinic in St Vincents Private clinic. Patients requiring a referral
must have a letter from their doctor.
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On
receipt of the referral, a respiratory scientist will contact the
patient directly and arrange an overnight admission for their sleep
study.
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Following
analysis of the study the report is forwarded to Professor Mc
Nicholas.
Contact
details
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Sleep
Clinic
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Telephone:
01 260 1188
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Email:
martinb@svcpc.ie
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Sleep
Lab
If
there is no reply please leave a message and your call will be returned as
soon as possible
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