What Is the Relation Between Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder?
More than 80% of people with restless legs syndrome also have periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). In PLMD, the arms or legs twitch or jerk involuntarily throughout the night. The movements disturb sleep and can contribute to chronic fatigue. Many people have periodic limb movement disorder by itself, and will never develop restless legs syndrome. However, periodic limb movement disorder sometimes precedes the onset of restless legs syndrome. Sources: Mark Buchfuhrer, MD, attending staff physician, Downey Regional Medical Center, Downey, Calif. Georgianna Bell, executive director, Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation. James Connor, PhD, professor and vice chairman, Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State University, State College, Pa. Walt Kolakowski, Jackson, Mich. National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke, National Institutes of Health web site: “Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet.” Ekbom, K. Acta Medica Scandinavica, 1945;158:4-122. Willis, T. London Practice of Physick, p
