Posted on May 16, 2008 in Latest News
PLMD (Periodic Limb Movement Disorder) and RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome) are dissimilar disorders. They are often mistaken to be same as they occur simultaneously. RLS is also known as nocturnal myoclonus resulting involuntary movement of the feet. These two have similar symptoms and their line of treatment is almost the same.
RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome)-
RLS was described in the early 16th century but was projected in the 1940’s. People suffering from RLS complain with an irresistible urge for movement of their legs even at rest. The person only feels relived when he moves his legs at rest. An individual suffering from it may find it difficult to sit at one place motionless. It has been observed that pregnancy, post surgery conditions and uremia also results in increase in RLS. The frequency increases with the age. Statistics show that 5% of people suffer from RLS.
Symptoms-
A person suffering from RLS finds it difficult to keep the legs at rest; they feel it to keep it constantly mobile to reduce the discomfort. These people constantly change the position of the legs. They get temporary relief with the movement in the legs.
The intensity may vary from person to person. Some find the urge to move the legs only at the night time as a result the sleep gets disturbed. While other may have this symptom all day long that affects their work during the day.
Causes-
The cause of PLMD is still unknown. But it is true that it results in insomnia and other sleep disturbances. But researches have shown that it is associated with other conditions of the spinal cord, diabetic mellitus, renal failure, peripheral neuropathies, amyloidosis, anemia, deficiency of vitamins, leukemia, kidney related problems and lung disease, arthritis, fibromyalgia etc. In some cases certain medications may also bring in PLMD. The medicines having lithium and antidepressants in them induce PLMD and RLS. In other cases withdrawal of medications also attributes to PLMD.
Diagnosis-
RLS can be diagnosed with the patient’s description and history, as it is very difficult to identify. Though there are tests to calculate RLS but are used only for research purpose. There is Suggested Immobilization Test and another one is Forced Immobilization Test. These are done when the patient’s legs are kept motionless. The movements are then watched with an EMG.
Treatment-
RLS could be treated by the use of narcotic drugs, benzodiazepines and Parkinson’s drugs. By the use of these drugs the disorder gradually reduces away. But there is no permanent cure for RLS. But the medicines results in drowsiness and sedation. Other side effects are sweating, dizziness, nauseas and vomiting.
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