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What Causes Involuntarily Jerking Movements Of The Legs During Sleep?
Question: hello, my left leg jerks when I'm falling asleep and jerks when I'm trying to go to sleep for about 1 hr or more, I have had cervical fusion done back in 1999 so could that be the cause to my problem, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Possibility of periodic limb movement disorder
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Leg jerking in sleep is called as periodic limb movement disorder and comprises restless leg syndrome too. The cause may be related to spinal cord pathology, but in most cases it can be due to iron deficiency, stress, increased caffeine intake.
You can undergo polysomnography testing and iron profile.
For treatment, avoid stimulants like tea and coffee. Medications like clonazepam or pramipexole can be helpful.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Possibility of periodic limb movement disorder
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Leg jerking in sleep is called as periodic limb movement disorder and comprises restless leg syndrome too. The cause may be related to spinal cord pathology, but in most cases it can be due to iron deficiency, stress, increased caffeine intake.
You can undergo polysomnography testing and iron profile.
For treatment, avoid stimulants like tea and coffee. Medications like clonazepam or pramipexole can be helpful.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Answered by
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