RLS and PLMS

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

last days, interesting mails have been exchanged concerning the distinction

between RLS and PLMS. In my opinion, the most distinctive features were not

yet described:

In pure RLS, the creepy/disagreable/electrical/... sensation is primary

(comes first) and the movement to relieve this sensation is

volontary,intentional. Of course, it is not possible to resist too long,

otherwise the sensation becomes unbearable. The sensation is able to wake

you up.

In pure PLMS, the mouvement is not intentional, the limb moves

automatically. PLMS-patients are usually not aware that they are moving when

they are asleep.

Summary: in RLS the sensation is the problem. In PLMS, the mouvement is the

problem. As a consequence it is possible to monitor the PMLS by

polysomnographic measurements, but not pure RLS.

Of course, all degrees exist in the blending of both RLS + PLMS, with

various severities. With the addition of other pain, neuropathy, side effect

of meds,... the image may be very complex and the symptoms difficult to

analyse. Clearly, for the MD and her/his patient the clear distinction

between all these possible cases is unnecessary, since only a limited number

of medic. categories are relevant. Nevertheless, a lack of precision in the

description of the symptoms, and also the confusion between pure RLS and RLS

sensu lato can only delay the discovery of better targeted medicaments.

In this seak of precision, I would like to repeat here the Primary features

of pure RLS, that need to be present for the diagnosis, as agreed by the

International RLS Studa Group in 1995:

1. An urge to move, usually due to unconfortable sensations that occur

primarily in the legs.

2. Motor restlessness, expressed as activity (particularly walking) that can

relieve the urge to move.

3. Worsening of symptoms by relaxation.

4. Variability over the course of the day-night cycle, with symptoms worse

in the evening and early in the night.

First associated feature : Periodic limb movement in sleep.

I hope this helps

Bernard + Mireille (Switzerland)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/29/99 11:35:31 PM !!!First Boot!!!,

Bjenni@... writes:

<< PLMS-patients are usually not aware that they are moving when

they are asleep. >>

Well, their bedpartner (recepient of kicks) are painfully aware of the

movements.

Also, while PLMS-patients are not " totally " awakened by the leg movements, it

DOES disturb their quality of sleep and suffer from the same daytime symptoms

as RLS patients - fatigue, tiredness, falling asleep, etc.

And most of all, PLMS many times reflect sleep obstructive apnea that can

kill you and cause significant morbidity, e.g. hypertension, stroke, heart

attack, etc.

RAINBOWPED@...