neurologic disorders
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Key Points
PLMD is repetitive twitching or kicking of the lower or upper extremities during sleep, often interrupting nocturnal sleep and causing excessive daytime sleepiness. RLS is characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, arms, or, less commonly, other body parts, usually accompanied by paresthesias, often causing difficulty falling asleep and/or repeated nocturnal awakenings. Diagnose RLS clinically, but if PLMD is suspected, consider polysomnography. For RLS or PMLD, use dopaminergic drugs orgabapentinenacarbil, both of which are effective. 