| Periodic Limb Movements during Sleep:Review of Physiology and Pathology |
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| Periodic Limb Movements during Sleep:Review of Physiology and Pathology |
| Brian Koo |
| Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA |
| Corresponding Author:
Brian Koo ,Tel: +1-216-844-3422, Fax: +1-216-983-0792, Email: koobri@gmail.com |
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Received: November 30, 2012 Accepted: December 14, 2012 Published online: December 31, 2012 |
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| ABSTRACT |
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Periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) are spontaneously occurring movements of the legs which occur repetitively throughout the sleeping period. The clinical significance of these movements is unclear but when they occur frequently, sleep fragmentation can result. PLMS occur commonly in persons with the restless legs syndrome and also in the elderly even without sleep complaints. PLMS are not specific and can occur in the setting of several different diseases, including essential hypertension, stroke and sleep apnea. In this review, we cover briefly the epidemiology of PLMS and then go more into depth concerning physiology and then adverse effects associated with PLMS. |
| Keywords:
Periodic limb movement | Restless legs syndrome | Sleep. |
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