PLMD/RLS Causes
The causes of Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are unknown. The vast majority of PLMD and RLS cases occur independently of other disease processes. It is certain that these conditions often cause insomnia, and some research shows that they might also be caused by other sleep disturbances. This is not likely, however, as PLMD and RLS have not been found to a significant degree in most cases of sleep apnea, which seems to precipitate many secondary consequences of sleep disturbance.
There are many conditions that have been associated with PLMD and RLS, including:
- Chronic renal failure
- Myelopathies (conditions of the spinal cord)
- Peripheral neuropathies
- Amyloidosis (metabolic disorder of organs and tissues)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Anemia and related hemoglobin deficiencies
- Iron deficiency
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Uremia (kidney-related toxicity)
- Chronic lung disease
- Leukemia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Stiff-man syndrome
- Isaac's syndrome
- Huntington's chorea
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Certain medications may also induce RLS and PLMD, including lithium and antidepressants. Withdrawal from other medications, including anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates may also induce RLS and PLMD.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 01 Dec 2000
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 04 Dec 2007
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