MedifocusHealth

Approximately 80% of patients with restless legs syndrome experience periodic limb movement of sleep (PLMS) which involve extension of the big toe, fanning of the smaller toes, and flexion of the ankles, knees and thighs. The movements are very brief, lasting from 0.05 - 5.0 seconds and may occur at intervals of every 5-90 seconds. A diagnosis of PLMS is determined by the occurrence of more than 5 movements per hour of sleep. Periodic limb movements may also occur during waking hours and typically consist of brief jerking movements or twitches.

Periodic limb movements in sleep appear most frequently with restless legs syndrome but have also been noted in other disorders related to dopamine dysfunction or abnormalities, such as Parkinson's disease. Periodic limb movement in sleep can also be seen with patients suffering from other conditions such as:

• Narcolepsy
• REM (rapid eye movement) sleep disorders
• Uremia
• Multiple sclerosis
• Radiculopathy
• Sleep apnea

• Medication such as:

  • dopamine agonists
  • typical or atypical neuroleptics
  • certain types of antidepressants
  • metoclorpramide