Periodic limb movement disorder
(Redirected from Nocturnal myoclonus)
Periodic limb movement disorder[edit | edit source]
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), also known as nocturnal myoclonus, is a sleep-related movement disorder characterized by repetitive and involuntary limb movements during sleep. These movements typically involve the lower limbs and can result in fragmented sleep, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and other sleep-related problems. PLMD can occur at any age but is more common in middle-aged and older adults.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The primary symptom of PLMD is involuntary limb movements during sleep, which can manifest as:
Kicking or jerking of the legs Bending or flexing of the ankles, knees, or hips Extension of the big toe Upper limb movements (less common) These movements occur every 20-40 seconds and can last for several minutes to hours during sleep. Although the individual with PLMD may not be aware of these movements, they can cause sleep disruptions, leading to:
- Insomnia
- Non-restorative sleep
- Daytime fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Depression
Causes[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of PLMD is unknown, but it may be related to the regulation of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement. Other potential causes and risk factors include:
- Spinal cord injury or lesions
- Iron deficiency or anemia
- Use of certain medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-nausea drugs)
- Other sleep disorders (e.g., restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy)
- Kidney disease
- Aging
- Genetic predisposition
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of PLMD involves a thorough medical history and an overnight sleep study called polysomnography. During this test, various physiological parameters are monitored, including brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, and breathing patterns. The presence of periodic limb movements and their impact on sleep quality are assessed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for PLMD aims to reduce limb movements and improve sleep quality. Options include:
Medication: Dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole) and benzodiazepines (e.g., clonazepam) are commonly prescribed to manage PLMD symptoms. Lifestyle changes: Establishing a regular sleep schedule, maintaining a sleep-conducive environment, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help improve sleep quality. Addressing underlying conditions: Treating any underlying medical conditions (e.g., iron deficiency, kidney disease) may help alleviate PLMD symptoms.
Prevalence[edit | edit source]
PLMD affects approximately 4-11% of the general population, with higher prevalence in middle-aged and older adults. The disorder is more common in individuals with other sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome (RLS), with up to 80% of RLS patients also experiencing PLMD.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for individuals with PLMD varies depending on the severity of symptoms and the success of treatment. While some individuals may experience a significant improvement in sleep quality and a reduction in limb movements with treatment, others may continue to experience disrupted sleep and daytime fatigue.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
There are currently no known specific preventive measures for PLMD. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, addressing underlying medical conditions, and practicing good sleep hygiene may help reduce the risk of developing sleep disorders in general.
Further Reading[edit | edit source]
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine
- National Sleep Foundation
- International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group
See also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen