Diagnosing Sleep Disorders in Patients with Epilepsy or Post-Concussion Syndrome

CSMA Team
6 days ago
2 min read

When patients experience persistent fatigue, memory problems, and trouble concentrating, the underlying cause isn't always immediately apparent. These symptoms can be tied to neurological conditions like epilepsy or post-concussion syndrome—but they can also be signs of untreated sleep disorders.

diagnosing sleep issues in patients with epilepsy — Image by kjpargeter on Freepik

At Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates (CSMA), we understand the importance of getting to the root cause of overlapping symptoms. For patients living with epilepsy or recovering from a head injury, accurate diagnosis can dramatically improve both neurological and sleep health.

Common Sleep Disorders in Neurologically Impacted Patients

Many common, everyday situations can disturb sleep patterns, and simple lifestyle changes can dramatically improve sleep quality under a provider's supervision.

However, patients with epilepsy or post-concussion syndrome are at higher risk for a range of sleep issues, including:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Breathing interruptions during sleep can worsen seizure control and contribute to cognitive difficulties.
Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep is common post-injury or in those with ongoing neurological symptoms.
Hypersomnia: Excessive daytime sleepiness, often overlooked, may stem from sleep architecture disruption.
Parasomnias: Unusual movements or behaviors during sleep, like night terrors or sleepwalking, may appear in both groups and require careful evaluation.

The Sleep Evaluation Process for Patients with Epilepsy

Diagnosing sleep disorders in patients with epilepsy or post-concussion syndrome requires a careful, tailored approach.

At CSMA, we offer both in-lab and at-home sleep studies, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s symptoms. For patients with epilepsy, an in-lab study often includes polysomnography with extended EEG monitoring, allowing us to evaluate brain activity during sleep alongside breathing, oxygen levels, and movement.

This data is especially valuable in differentiating between nocturnal seizures and parasomnias—two conditions that can appear similar but require very different treatments.

Tailored Treatment Options for Patients with Epilepsy

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, our team works closely with neurologists and primary care providers to develop an individualized treatment plan. Options may include:

CPAP therapy for sleep apnea
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Medication adjustments to reduce interactions between anti-epileptics and sleep disruptors
Ongoing neurological monitoring alongside sleep care to track improvements

At CSMA, we believe in integrated care—because the body and brain don’t function in silos.

Why an Accurate Diagnosis Matters

An accurate diagnosis is crucial because it informs the most appropriate treatment plan, helps prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures, and allows for better communication and collaboration between healthcare providers and patients. It also plays a role in understanding a condition, accessing benefits, and informing public health policies.

When it comes to epilepsy and concussions, getting the proper sleep diagnosis is critical and can lead to:

✅ Better seizure control

✅ Reduced fatigue and brain fog

✅ Improved mood and emotional regulation

✅ Enhanced quality of life

For patients with epilepsy or a history of concussion, better sleep is not just a comfort—it’s a clinical priority.