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Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

Sleep Health | Last Active: Apr 30, 2023 | Replies (50)

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@kanaazpereira

Welcome to Connect, @krissyelkins07,

Here’s what I found –
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is characterized by twitching, flexing, and jerking movements of the legs and arms during sleep. The movements occur every 20 to 40 seconds and may last for minutes or hours throughout the night. People with PLMD don’t know their limbs are moving, and are unable to control or stop them. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1188558-overview

Researchers don’t know the exact cause of this disorder. Some think it may be related to low iron levels or a problem with the nerves in the limbs caused by another condition. It’s important to note that PLMD is not the same as restless legs syndrome (RLS). The majority of patients with RLS have PLMD, but the reverse is not true.

You might be interested in viewing this Connect discussion, where several members have shared their experiences:
– Peripheral neuropathy, RLS and PLMD https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/peripheral-neuropathy-rls-and-plmd/

I’m also tagging @johnhans @barbarn @johnbishop @baumgrenze @usafretired15 @clayhere, as they might be able to shed more light on this condition. @krissyelkins07, could you share a few more details? When did this start? Have you consulted a doctor or sleep therapist?

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Replies to "Welcome to Connect, @krissyelkins07, Here’s what I found – Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is characterized..."

Thank you for all of the detailed information. I've had PLMD and RLS since I was about 14. I can handle the RLS it's the PLMD that I am constantly fighting. The twitching during the day but mostly at night. The acking and pain in them is unbearable sometimes. I've been on every medication possible until my body doesn't respond to it. I finally did an EEG which came up fine and sleep study. The sleep study came up that I have severe PLMD and RLS and to take 1200 MG of Gabapentin and 600 MG of Mirapex. I work in finance and theres on way I could function that. My doctor never went over my my sleep study he just said over the phone what I told you. I'm wondering how severe is it? What do the PLMD arousal number mean. Will this keep getting worse? I have to take mirapex throughout the day because insurance doesn't like to cover time release. When I was on different insurance they covered Nuepro patches. Those worked so well. My doctor at the time referred me to Seattle doctors after 6 months of seeing him. No one in Seattle specialist in PLMD. Are there other people out there going through what I am? Are there different medications that help better so I don't have off time. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

My internist - Dr. Scalcini at Mayo R, ordered iron25mg and viyamiC everyday and the “restless legs have been sopped for 4 yrs.

My symptoms started with physical lighting bolt myoclonic jerks. Mainly starting with pre-sleep levels. I had been hospitalized for a bowel blockage. aAter relief, the myoclonic jerks started in the hospital. I also developed weakness. The stay in the hospital was extended and I qualified for Skilled nursing at Taos Living Center. The hospital called my leg jerks Restless leg syndrome as does the Academy for sleep disorders.The DIAGNOSIS DOES NOT FIT. Periodic leg Movement and Restless leg syndrome by the book take place during sleep. I was given a .5 mg Ropinole that helped. I also found the weaakness in the hospital and Skilled Nursing was from too much Calcium---hypercalcimia. To help the nerves heal, I was given gabpintine 300 mg capsules( PLEASE BE AWARE FOLKS_MANY DOCTORS DO NOT KNOW THERE ARE THREE MAKERS OF GABIPENTIN)I Had Neuruo Gabpintine for nerve repair and anti-seizure. This works well with me in combintion with LOW doses od .5md ropinole.. Horizon Gabipintin makes 600 mg pills.( It is not ususal to hear of 2400mg being used for restless leg syndrome or periodic leg movement disorder) Another maker is more for Shingles. I menttion this because my Myoclonic Jerks happen any time I experience pre or post sleep. This correlates with the periods after noon and evening meals. I have had to take .5 mg ropinole 1 hour before meals to head off the painful jerk.(Remember, for lack of a better term, they referr to this as Restless leg syndrome. Some Italians did a day time study and determined Restless leg syndrome takes place more in the morning and Periodic leg movement more in the after noon.(I am the only one saying it is pre and post sleep initiated.) My early morning post sleep jerls are soft and weak. So, I get up, wake up more by walking them off and go back to sleep ar 5:00 PM in the Morning. My Brain scan showed normal for a 90 years old man But, no tumors. My endocornologist only deals with parathyroid, so I am starting on Vitamin D suppliments and testing in 6 weeks. So. who does Ferrin Prrscriptions?The neurosurgeon, neurologist, and endoconologist all refused. So, I was told to wait until my 6 week lab test before going back to my primary Care Physician to ask for the Ferrin Test. Does this all seem to familiar to you all? Meanwhile I am on potassium suppliment and stopped the Reclasp injections for Osterpenia. My physical Therapy has gotten me back to square one. But I need a walker because of L-5,S-1 Stenosis, etc. I got off the high doses of pain pills for my back and C5,6 neuropathy I take Tramodol 50 mg 2 times a day. All my medications are kept at the minimum levels and I deal with my remaining pain and sleep with Open Focus Visualization (Google Les Fehmi Ph. D.Princeton U. or Navy Seals sleep method). I avoid increases ,since It leads to Augmenttion. When all is said and done, please listen and seek the best in medical Physicians. Do not add or subtract medications yourself.But, you must be PRO-ACTIVE for yoursleves. Do NOT BE SATIFIED WITH OLD 10 years old diagosis of your condition, when your know you do not fit the mold. Google and Google some more.Your stories do have an impact.