Prediction of Tongue Base Obstruction During Sleep

Tongue Motor Functions Assessment as a Screening Tool for Obstructive Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children

This study investigates the hypothesis that, in children, tongue motor functions can predict both the anatomical site and the degree of upper airway obstruction contributing to obstructive sleep-disordered breathing.

Patients will be enrolled during their visit to the ENT physician. Subsequently, their tongue motor functions will be assessed during their pre-surgical appointment. Finally, they will undergo a drug-induced sleep endoscopy prior to their surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 6 and 17 years old
• Medical diagnosis of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing requiring surgical removal of tonsils (partial or total) and/or adenoids
• Positive Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (8 or more positive responses)
• Eligibility for surgical intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neurological, cardiac, or respiratory comorbidity other than obstructive sleep-disordered breathing
• Previous surgery of the upper airway or oral cavity
• History of or current head or neck cancer
• Cranial, upper airway, or oral cavity malformation
• Contraindication to performing endoscopy