Periodic limb movement disorder

Common card · No. 386190

Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is a sleep disorder where the patient moves limbs involuntarily and periodically during sleep, and has symptoms or problems related to the movement. PLMD should not be confused with restless legs syndrome (RLS), which is characterized by a voluntary response to an urge to move legs due to discomfort. PLMD, on the other hand, is involuntary, and the patient is often unaware of these movements altogether. Periodic limb movements (PLMs) occurring during the daytime period can be found but are considered a symptom of RLS; only PLMs during sleep can suggest a diagnosis of PLMD. Periodic limb movement disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of frequent limb movements while sleeping. It mostly occurs in the lower body, such as the toes, ankles, knees, and hips. It can also appear in the upper extremities in some cases. These movements can lead the patient to wake up, and if so, sleep interruption can be the origin of excessive daytime sleepiness....

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