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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Recurring Involuntary Twitching In The Arms And Legs While Asleep?

Yes, please answer this question. My uncle sleeps well enough for seven to eight hours per night but my aunt complains bitterly about his involuntary twitching a few hours after they go to bed. The twitching begins with a few minor twitches of the limbs, mostly the legs. This escalates into more radical twitching of the legs and sometimes the arms. It may last ten seconds up about 25 seconds. My uncle is still sleeping and totally unware that this is happening and that he is keeping my Aunt awake. What could be the cause of this?
Mon, 18 Feb 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

I think your uncle is suffering from Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD). Most of the time, the cause is unknown.

However, should run some tests to rule out:
- anemia (complete blood count, iron levels in blood)
- diabetes (diabetes testing)
- kidney issues (kidney function test, urine analysis)
- neurological examination by neurologist to rule out neuropathy.

Usually, they are benign, and will resolve on their own. Advise to:
- limit coffee/ alcohol intake especially in the evening
- try to be physically active, move more around
- take magnesium supplement
- take iron supplement if anemia
- take warm bathes before going to bed.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Albana Sejdini, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Recurring Involuntary Twitching In The Arms And Legs While Asleep?

Hello, I think your uncle is suffering from Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD). Most of the time, the cause is unknown. However, should run some tests to rule out: - anemia (complete blood count, iron levels in blood) - diabetes (diabetes testing) - kidney issues (kidney function test, urine analysis) - neurological examination by neurologist to rule out neuropathy. Usually, they are benign, and will resolve on their own. Advise to: - limit coffee/ alcohol intake especially in the evening - try to be physically active, move more around - take magnesium supplement - take iron supplement if anemia - take warm bathes before going to bed. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Albana Sejdini, General & Family Physician