Nocturnal myoclonus, also called Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD), is a sleep disorder where the patient moves limbs involuntarily during sleep and has symptoms or problems related to the movement. If the patient moves limbs during sleep but there are no consequences, it is simply called periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). Not all patients with PLMS have PLMD (in fact, most people with PLMS do not have a disorder requiring any treatment).
PLMS can cause insomnia and daytime sleepiness. It is estimated to occur in approximately 4% of adults (aged 15-100), but is more common in the elderly, especially females, with up to 11% experiencing symptoms.. PLMS is related to restless leg syndrome (RLS) - a study of 133 people found that 80% of those with RLS also had PLMS.
Nocturnal myoclonus is treated by medications aimed at reducing or eliminating the leg jerks or the arousals. Non-ergot derived dopaminergic drugs (pramipexole and ropinirole) are preferred. Other dopaminergic agents such as co-careldopa, co-beneldopa, pergolide, or lisuride may also be used. These drugs decrease or eliminate both the leg jerks and the arousals. These medications are also successful for the treatment of RLS restless leg syndrome.
Clonazepam, (Klonopin), in doses of 1 mg has been shown to improve objective and subjective measures of sleep.
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