What is PLMD?
PLMD is a condition where
one or both legs or arms may undergo a variety of jerky
movements -- from twitching to kicking or hitting the
partner in bed.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
is the most common PLMD in which there may be a restless
feeling in the legs, with muscle twitching,
pins-and-needles, pulling, ants-crawling-under-the-skin
sensation, or cramps and muscle aches. This occurs when
the patient is lying in bed or sleeping and makes it
impossible for the patient, or his bed partner, to get a
good night's sleep.
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What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can occur during
rest or sleep and may affect the arms or legs or both. You
may feel the need for rubbing or stretching or walking to
relieve the discomfort. The following are some of the key
symptoms:
- Muscle twitching
- Burning sensation
- Pins-and-needle
feeling under the skin
- Ants crawling under
the skin
- Depression
- Insomnia -- difficulty
sleeping
- Day time sleepiness or
fatigue
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What Causes PLMD?
The cause of PLMD is
unknown at this time. Some doctors believe that the
Cerebellum and the thalamus of the brain may be involved.
60% of the people with RLS may have a positive family
history of this disease.
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How does this affect a
person?
Those who are diagnosed
with PLMD are more likely to be affected with the
following diseases:
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Parkinson's
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Kidney (renal) failure
- Pinched nerves in the
back, i.e., Sciatica
- Anemia due to low
levels of iron
- Electrolyte
deficiencies, such as Potassium, Calcium, or Magnesium
PLMD symptoms are known
to increase with age. In most cases, the first symptoms
are likely to occur beginning in their 20s.
Stress, change in diet,
and hormonal imbalances are likely to occur as a result of
PLMD. During pregnancy symptoms may increased.
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How is it treated?
PLMD can be treated by
avoid caffeine, supplementing electrolytes if low, and
correcting anemia.
In some instances it is
helpful to change medications. Be aware that some
medications may alter the levels of Potassium and other
Electrolytes.
Several self-help
remedies include stretching before exercising and taking
the time to sleep at a minimum of 8 hours per day.
Medications such as
sedatives (e.g., Benzodiazepines), opiates (e.g., Codeine,
Dopamine), and brain chemical enhancers (e.g., Sinemet,
etc.) can also help in severe cases.
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