Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

Nocturnal Myoclonus

 Periodic limb movement disorder,  also known as nocturnal myoclonus involves clusters of involuntary movement  of the limbs while asleep. These movements can be mild and of short duration, while others may involve wild flailing of all limbs causing considerable discomfort to their bed partner. PLMD may occur with other sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome,  sleep apnea, narcolepsy, catalepsy,  drug dependency, benzodiazepine withdrawl, barbiturate withdrawl, Parkinson medication, epilepsy  medication, diabetes, spinal trauma, and  iron deficiency.

Periodic limb movement disorder or nocturnal myoclonus increases with age, not necessarily directly related to age itself, but rather around this time people are more likely to be taking some form of medication for some particular disease, and it is often this factor alone which may be a direct cause of PLMD. It has been reported that people in the US over 60, take between 5 to 9 different drugs a day. 

PLMD or nocturnal myoclonus is often associated with restless leg syndrome, over 80% of people with restless leg syndrome have periodic limb movement disorder. Also it has been found that both sleep apnea and PLMD increase with age and both of these sleep disorders often occur together resulting in daytime hypersomnolence.
PLMD is diagnosed with the aid of a polysomnogram or PSG, this information may be combined with a report from the bed partner in order to make a detailed diagnosis. The PSG may be the only informtion the doctor has to rely on if the person sleep alone. A doctor may order a polysomnogram because the patient has a complaint such as daytime fatigue or sleepiness that may be from interrupted sleep. Typically, doctors order a polysomnogram to diagnose or rule out obstructive sleep apnea.

A polysomnogram or sleep study is the most important tool used to diagnose sleep disorders. By monitoring sleep-wake periods throughout the night and continuously observing behavioral status it is possible to obtain valuable diagnostic information. Total sleep time is measured with number of awakenings, respiratory dysfunction, cardiac arrhythmias, atypical movements, and nocturnal seizures. Many drugs may alter the outcome of a sleep study, hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and stimulants should therefore be avoided to allow for a proper evaluation of the sleep disorder.

Drugs used to treat PLMD or Nocturnal Myoclonus include: Levetiracetam, Clonazepam, Valproic Acid, Piracetam, Primidone, Acetazolamide, Zonegran, Solfoton, Imitrex, Prozac, and Sarafem. Many of these drugs have a swag of side effects, often producing symptoms far worse than the original sleep disorder. If the condition doesn't bother the one who has the disorder but only annoys the bed partner, then it would be far better to sleep in separate beds and avoid taking prescription drugs.

Homeopathic remedies for PLMD or Nocturnal Myoclonus include:

Agaricus muscarius, arsenicum album, causticum, chamomilla, cuprum, ignatia amara, nux vomica, tarentula hispanica and zincum. There are many more homeopathic remedies to treat periodic limb movemen disorder and nocturnal myoclonus, however in order to achieve success it is necessary to visit an homeopath who will take a full history before prescribing a remedy. Using homeopathy to treat periodic limb movement disorder or nocturnal myoclonus will produce a far better outcome for the individual without the side effects of drugs.

Read more:Hypersomnia