Epileptic intermittent snoring

Snoring is an inspiratory noise, from airflow-induced vibration ofthe oropharyngeal soft tissues during sleep.1 This vibration resultsfrom a narrowing of the upper airways, caused by a disequilibriumbetween two forces: the inspiratory increment of the intrathoracicpressure and the phasic activation of oropharyngealdilator muscles.1 Intermittent snoring (IS) is the result of interruptions due to apneas and hypopneas.1We report two epileptic patients whose polysomnographic(PSG) monitoring suggested that their IS was of epileptic origin.Recording parameters included EEG, electromyogram (EMG)from the mylohyoideus and both deltoids, electro-oculogram, EKG,oronasal and thoracic respiration (monitored with a thermistorand a strain gauge, respectively), and microphone. Both patientshad normal brain CT and MRI. Their seizures were incompletelycontrolled despite antiepileptic polytherapy.