Periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS) affects four to 11% of adults. Also called nocturnal myoclonus, patients are often unaware that they have this sleep disorder until it begins to interrupt their sleep schedule. If something seems a bit off, or your significant other is showing signs of concern for your behavior while catching Z's, visit our office in Columbia, SC, to get the situation under control. At Bogan Sleep Consultants, LLC, we promise to provide you with better sleep and better quality of health. Dr. Richard Bogan is here for all your needs.
What is Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep (PLMS)?
PLMS is common in older adults. Also associated with restless leg syndrome, it's characterized by jerking and flailing movements of the arms, legs, and even the facial muscles. What can start as mild motions can turn into grand thrashing gestures, and the greatest amount of them often expose themselves in the first four hours of sleep. Most ticks occur for only half a second in periodic intervals, but some can last for intervals separated by five to 90 seconds. Although this disorder can present itself while awake, it's most likely to occur during sleep, when it becomes the most disruptive.
What Causes PLMS?
Most doctors often correlate this condition to spinal cord injuries or diabetes, although majorities are unsure of the actual cause. They assume it to result from abnormal nerve passage patterns that travel from the brain to the limbs.
Diagnosing and Treating PLMS
When PLMS disturbs the slumber of you or your partner, it's time to see a doctor. Excessive daytime sleepiness, mood swings, and other signs of lack of sleep are all symptoms that require attention. A formal diagnosis typically requires a sleep study, where your sleep gets monitored by one of our consultants throughout the night. PLMS often responds well to anticonvulsant medication, iron supplements, benzodiazepines, and dopamine therapy. We can address any questions or concerns upon your initial visit to our Columbia, SC office.
If you frequently wake your partner throughout the night, schedule a consultation with one of our many professionals to get to the root of the problem and develop the appropriate treatment plan. For more information about PLMS, other conditions we treat, and services provided by Bogan Sleep Consultants, LLC, visit our website. Please call (803) 251-3093 for appointment scheduling in our Columbia, SC, office.
