Sleep disorder, though PLMD (Periodic Limb Movement Disorder) usually connected with RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome), but was it the same and got connection? PLMD is very similar to RLS. While RLS is a sensation in the legs and subsequent voluntary movement to avert the sensation, PLMD is involuntary, rhythmic limb movements, either while asleep or when awake. RLS disrupts sleep by delaying sleep; PLMD can disrupt sleep because of the constant limb movements. Many people with PLMD are not even aware of their symptoms until a bed partner brings it to their attention.

Question frequently occur is “Do people with RLS also have PLMD?” Most people who have Restless Legs Syndrome also have PLMD. However, the reverse is not true – only some people with PLMD also have RLS. See the resources below for more information about PLMD.

PLMD can be primary (with no known cause) or secondary (caused by an underlying medical condition). Primary PLMD might be caused by an abnormal regulation of nerves traveling from the brain to the limbs. Secondary PLMD is associated with many of the same conditions as RLS, including spinal cord injuries, sleep apnea, diabetes, and iron deficiencies.

To diagnose PLMD, leg movements are recorded during sleep. Sensors placed over the calf muscle record the number of leg movements during each hour of sleep. This is called the Periodic Limb Movement index. If this index is greater than or equal to five, i.e., leg movements occurred at least five times an hour, then the diagnosis of PLMD is made.

Now you knows how to diagnose a symptom lets not waste your time when you know someone got PLMD, its time for you to see doctor, so that you could be sure with your diagnose.
Many people with PLMD do not require treatment because they sleep soundly and do not suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness or insomnia. For light sleepers, consulting with a personal doctor or a sleep specialist is recommended if symptoms of PLMD interfere with daily activities. PLMD is commonly associated with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), daytime sleepiness, and fatigue.

Relaxation therapy and good sleep practices encourage sound sleep in some PLMD patients.
The first step in treating any sleep disorder is to ascertain any underlying causes. Anemia, diabetes, or the use of certain antidepressants can contribute to leg movements. Often treatment of these underlying problems can relieve the symptoms of PLMD.

Various medications may help the person suffering from PLMD. Sleeping pills prevent the sleeper from frequent awakenings, but do not subdue the leg movements. Painkillers reduce the number of leg movements, but have little effect treating insomnia.

To date, drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease seem to be the most effective – they treat both the movements and the insomnia. Drugs such as Sinemet (carbidopa or levodopa) and Mirapex (pramipexole dihydrochloride) are commonly used in this regard. Their side effects are minimal. However, the effects of long-term use in younger adults are unknown. Because PLMD is usually not treated with medication unless in combination with RLS and other symptoms

Vitamin and mineral supplements have shown to have some success treating PLMD. However, this treatment has not been proven clinically. Vitamin E may alleviate PLMD symptoms if poor peripheral circulation is the cause. Relaxation therapy and good sleep practices encourage sound sleep in some PLMD patients.