Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping, choking during sleep, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. If left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and mental health issues. It can also lead to poor quality of life, impaired cognitive function, and an increased risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness.
The patient was struggling with an undiagnosed health problem for four years and experienced constant exhaustion that affected his work during his PhD program. Sleep tests finally revealed that he had severe Sleep Apnea. He met Dr. Movahed, who identified a below-average size airway even when awake, which worsened during sleep. The patient underwent a double jaw surgery known as maximum mandibular advancement (MMA) to move and secure his jaw forward, expanding the airway. Despite the intensity of the surgery, the patient found relief as breathing became easier. He noticed improvements in mental health, concentration, and overall functionality after each surgery. The surgeries allowed him to better focus on his hobbies, completing his PhD, and job at Google. They majorly contributed to his overall well-being and sense of normalcy.