Periodic limb movement disorder

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Periodic limb movement disorder

Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), also known as Sleep-related leg cramps or Nocturnal myoclonus, is a sleep disorder where the patient moves limbs involuntarily during sleep, and has symptoms or problems related to the movement.

Pronunciation

  • /pɪˈriːədɪk lɪm muːvmənt dɪsˈɔːdər/

Etymology

The term "Periodic limb movement disorder" is derived from the characteristics of the condition itself. "Periodic" refers to the recurring nature of the symptoms, "limb movement" describes the physical manifestation of the disorder, and "disorder" indicates a medical condition that disrupts normal body functions.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PLMD include repetitive limb movements that occur every 20 to 40 seconds during sleep, often in the lower limbs. These movements can cause partial awakenings that disrupt sleep. Other symptoms may include daytime sleepiness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and restless sleep.

Causes

The exact cause of PLMD is unknown, but it is often associated with other medical and mental health conditions, such as restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea. Certain medications and substances, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and caffeine, can also trigger symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of PLMD typically involves a physical examination, a review of the patient's medical history, and a sleep study. The sleep study, or polysomnography, can help identify the limb movements and any associated arousals or awakenings.

Treatment

Treatment for PLMD often involves managing any underlying conditions and improving sleep hygiene. Medications, such as dopamine agonists, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants, may also be used to help reduce symptoms.

Related Terms

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski