Does sleep apnea cause seizures?

[June B]

At the age of 67 I had the first seizure. Now at age 73 the doctors have diagnosed sleep apnea. Since I've only had seizures during my sleep is it possible that I've had sleep apnea all along and was diagnosed improperly?

[J B]

That would be difficult to tell. In order to be diagnosed with seizures, most people have to have an abnormal EEG - hopefully you have had this done. If it was abnormal, this does not cause sleep apnea. Increasing weight, especially in the neck causes sleep apnea. But, it is not impossible to believe that low oxygen levels caused by the sleep apnea could bring on a seizure.