Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)

Restless leg syndrome

What is periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)?

PLMD is a repetitive twitching and jerking of the limbs. It is more common in the legs, but arms can be affected too.

PLMD usually happens at night and in severe cases it can result in insomnia.

What causes PLMD?

The exact cause of PLMD is unknown, but research suggests it may be due to an imbalance of a hormone called dopamine.

Dopamine usually drops during sleep, but with PLMD, levels remain high causing restlessness.

Other possible causes include:

  • Anaemia
  • Arthritis
  • Underactive thyroid
  • Fibromyalgia

What are the symptoms of PLMD?

PLMD causes uncontrollable spasms that can occur throughout the night. It is diagnosed when a person experiences more than 15 limb movements per hour.

PLMD can affect daily activities, cause depression and impact quality of life.

Are you affected by PLMD?

If you’re affected by PLMD The Brain Charity can support you.

We are the only charity in the UK to be here for every one of more than 600 different neurological conditions in existence. Individually, many are rare, but combined they affect 1 in 6 people.

We provide practical help on all aspects of living with PLMD, emotional support such as counselling, phone befriending and group therapy and social activities to people with PLMD from all over the UK from our centre in Liverpool.

Looking to talk to someone?

Woman smiling, making eye contact and holding the hand of another woman to comfort her

Phone us

Contact The Brain Charity now

Our friendly Information & Advice Officers are here to help. We endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 10 working days.

0151 298 2999

Looking to talk to someone?

  • Please tell us which neurological condition you are affected by and what you need support with.

Caring for someone with PLMD

We support carers, friends and family too

Are you a carer or relative of someone with PLMD? It’s just as important for you to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing too.

The Brain Charity provides free support for carers, friends and family of people with any form of neurological condition, including PLMD, from anywhere in the UK.

We also run additional carers advocacy service for all carers in Liverpool, regardless of which type of condition the person they care for has.

You don’t need to be a formal or registered carer

We can help you even if you don’t view yourself as a formal carer or claim Carer’s Allowance.

Find out some of the ways we support carers below.

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Counsellling at The Brain Charity in Liverpool Emotional support

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Struggling with your mental health? Find someone to talk to about how you're feeling at The Brain Charity.
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Other resources

The Brain Charity's library

The Brain Charity's library has books and leaflets on PLMD and a wide range of other disability related issues.

Visit our library to read:

Or search the only library catalogue here.

Support groups

Restless legs syndrome worldwide support group

Click here to join an international Facebook community for people living with PLMD.

Restless leg syndrome science based information and support

Click here to join this Facebook group providing information and shared experiences of PLMD.

Support groups at The Brain Charity

Are you interested in setting up a PLMD support group, or do you already run one?

Email activities@thebraincharity.org.uk

Alternatively, click here for a list of our current support groups.

Other charities

RLS-UK

Website: www.rls-uk.org

RLS-UK have an online enquiry form and encourage questions to be shared in their online forum here.