EMG is a standard measure of muscle activity in a sleep study.
A measurement of the electrical activity of skeletal muscles are recorded with the placement of small metal discs, called “electrodes,” applied to the skin’s surface. It is useful for assessing nerve and muscle function, diagnosing restless legs syndrome and determining REM versus non-REM sleep. The electrodes are generally placed on the chin and along the shin in sleep studies.
Most level 3 devices currently in use cannot measure EMG which is useful in measuring jaw muscle activity but some can (MediByte,T3,Embletta). The cost associated with adding emg to a level three study is minimal one supplier sells the electrodes for (0.39 cents) the lead cost ($3.00 and is reusable). There is much work to be done however the literature is clear, bruxism is the dental sleep disorder. I have read that 25% of OSA patients suffer from bruxism. A couple of questions occur to me…
1. is it possible to separate idiopathic bruxism from bruxism related to sleep disordered breathing?
2. Is itp possible to identify pre symptomatic bruxism with Epworth/necksize and BMI?
3. Can a dentist order an overnight bruxism test or is a face to face with a physician required?
4. If a dentist ordered a bruxism study and there was an indication of SDB could a board certified sleep Dr. order further study or order treatment with OAT based on that test?
I have attached 3 slides that illustrate the bruxism study I am referring to:
Bruxism OSA Connection and testing process
Related posts:
- BRUXISM in Children
- A randomized, controlled, crossover study of a noncustomized tongue retaining device for sleep disordered breathing
- Sleep Disordered Breathing in Women: pregnancy, post-menopause & post-hysterectomy
- Should Sleep Labs Embrace Unattended Studies? – David Barone
- Dr Edward Spiegel “New Developments in Sleep Bruxism and Sleep Apnea”
Hi. I’ve been experiencing symptoms of Bruxism for almost a year now but only when I’m asleep. I’m over weight and have been for quite some time. Recently I went on the Atkins diet for about 2 months (lost 40 lbs) and shortly after I went on the diet my Bruxism just went away. I was sleeping much better and didn’t miss the pain at all. Now, over the recent Christmas holiday I went off the diet for three days because I didn’t want to miss out on all the goodies that comes with the holiday and now all the sudden the jaw clinching is back. I’ve come to the conclusion that Bruxism or my particular problem is related to my eating habits. I went back on the Atkins diet today, 12/27/2011 and I’ll see what happens.
I’ll try to come back here and post my results.