Periodic Limb Movements and Disorder

Periodic Limb Movements

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) refers to repetitive cramping or

jerking of the leg during sleep that is so powerful it can wake you up during the

night

The same disorder can occur during the day when you are awake (PLMW)

This night time version (PLMS) is more common and disruptive.

Symptoms

When you experience PLMD during sleep, you may frequently extend your big

toe, while your knee, or ankle might also move rapidly; as frequently as every 20

to 40 seconds for as long as 2 minutes at a time

The pattern of PLMD can change from night to night so that one or both legs, as

well as your upper arms, are involved.

Causes

The medical community is still unaware of what causes primary periodic limb movement disorder, although it is assumed to result from abnormal patterns of nerves passage from the brain to the limbs.

PLMD is also linked to conditions such as Spinal cord injuries or tumors Diabetes or other medical conditions

Common Conditions associated with PLMD

Narcolepsy or the urge to sleep during theday

Restless leg syndrome (RLS)

REM sleep behavior disorders (RBD)

Iron deficiency

Anemia or low levels of oxygen richhemoglobin

Reactions to medications

Withdrawal from medication

.

Diagnosis & Treatments

Benzodiazepine to suppress muscle contraction and sedate you to reduce periodic limb movements each hour. Variations such as clonazepam (Klonopin) are most often prescribed for PLMD.

Anticonvulsant agents such as gabapentin (neurontin) to reduce musclecontractions.

Thanks for reading !!!

If you are experiencing symptoms of PLMD, please contact us online or call us at 708-364-

0261 to set up an appointment our sleep specialists.