Sleep-related movement disorders

90 important questions on Sleep-related movement disorders

What is the general approach to treating Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)/Willis-Ekbom disease (WED)?

Treatment for RLS/WED is typically for moderate to severe cases and involves:
  • Assessing cause, severity, and course
  • Addressing iron deficiency with oral/intravenous iron
  • Using dopamine agonists and a28 ligands
  • Consideration for daytime discomfort and sleep quality
  • Diagnosis of other movement disorders

What are the key features of comorbidities related to sleep-related movement disorders (SRMDs)?

Key features of comorbidities in SRMDs include:
  • Often coexists with psychiatric and neurological disorders
  • Observational studies show higher prevalence in affected patients
  • Low evidence for causal relationships
  • Influences therapeutic strategy and differential diagnosis

How should iron deficiency be addressed in individuals with RLS/WED?

Normalization of brain iron levels is crucial, using methods like:
  • Oral iron supplementation
  • Intravenous iron administration
  • Monitoring systemic iron parameters
  • Following recommendations from the International RLS Study Group
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What are sleep-related movement disorders (SRMD) characterized by?

These disorders involve:
  • Typically simple, stereotypical, involuntary movements.
  • Disturbances such as insomnia and daytime symptoms.
  • Can be primary or secondary to other conditions.
  • Significant clinical relevance and prevalence in the general population.

What disorders are frequently associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Frequently associated disorders with RLS consist of:
  1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
  2. Narcolepsy
  3. Parkinson's disease (PD)
  4. Various psychiatric disorders
  5. Drug-related issues like SSRIs and SNRIs

What are the common conservative treatments for RLS/WED?

Conservative treatments are often the first step and may include:
  • Good sleep hygiene
  • Behavioral strategies (e.g., puzzles, physical activity)
  • Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, alcohol
  • Tactile and temperature stimulation (massage, hot baths)

How can sleep-related movement disorders be classified?

Classification can be based on:
  1. Clinical features (simple vs. complex)
  2. Clinical relevance (physiological vs. pathological)
  3. Sleep stages (stage dependent, prevalent, or unrelated)
  4. Aetiology (primary vs. secondary)

What role do comorbidities play in diagnosing and treating sleep-related movement disorders?

Comorbidities impact:
  • Differential diagnosis process
  • Identification of therapeutic approaches
  • Understanding epidemiological burden
  • Assessing overall patient outcomes

What is the risk associated with long-term use of dopamine agonists in treating RLS/WED?

Long-term dopamine agonist use carries the risk of:
  • Dopaminergic augmentation
  • Increased severity of RLS/WED symptoms
  • Patients may experience worsening of their condition

What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and its characteristics?

RLS is characterized by:
  • Irresistible urge to move the legs.
  • Symptoms begin or worsen during inactivity.
  • Relief of symptoms through movement.
  • Often leads to insomnia and daytime fatigue.

How does obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) relate to restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

OSA is linked to RLS characterized by:
  • Higher RLS prevalence (8.3% in OSA vs 2.3% in controls)
  • Reduced RLS severity after CPAP treatment
  • Possible influence on treatment compliance
  • Role of hypoxia in RLS pathogenesis

Under what conditions should iron replacement therapy be considered for RLS/WED?

Iron replacement therapy is advised when:
  • Serum ferritin < 100 mcg/ml
  • Transferrin saturation < 45%
  • Patients with higher ferritin may also benefit
  • Monitor additional iron parameters

What epidemiological trends are observed in Restless Legs Syndrome?

Prevalence varies:
  • Highest in European populations (5%-12%).
  • Intermediate in Asian countries (1%-8%).
  • Lowest in African countries.
  • Increases with age and is more common in women.

What is the significance of periodic limb movements (PLMs) in the general population?

Significance of PLMs includes:
  • Occurs in 80% of RLS patients
  • 28% of a population studied showed a high PLMI
  • Presence in individuals without RLS indicates clinical ambiguity
  • Still needing clarification in pathogenetic involvement

What considerations are important when choosing between oral and intravenous iron therapy for RLS/WED?

Important considerations include:
  • Contraindications for oral iron
  • Intestinal absorption issues
  • Previous treatment failures with oral iron
  • Need for rapid response and serum ferritin levels

What findings indicate the relationship between narcolepsy and periodic limb movements (PLMs)?

Key findings regarding narcolepsy and PLMs indicate:
  • 50%-70% of narcoleptic patients exhibit a high PLMI
  • Unique leg movement patterns distinguish it from RLS
  • Studies show a strong association with abnormal dopaminergic function
  • Less periodic limb activity compared to RLS

What are common drugs that may exacerbate symptoms of RLS/WED?

Medications that may worsen RLS/WED include:
  • D2 antagonists (e.g., metoclopramide)
  • Traditional antipsychotics
  • Atypical neuroleptics (e.g., olanzapine)
  • Certain antidepressants and sedating antihistamines

How are sleep-related movement disorders relevant in clinical practice?

They are important because they:
  • Can lead to significant sleep disturbances.
  • Result in symptoms such as insomnia and daytime fatigue.
  • Frequently co-occur with other sleep disorders.

How does rapid eye movement behavior disorder (RBD) associate with restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

The association involves:
  • Higher RLS prevalence noted in RBD patients
  • Independence of RBD risk factors like depression and medication usage
  • Difficulty in assessing causality due to confounding neurodegenerative factors
  • RLS may serve as a significant risk for developing RBD

What is the efficacy of placebo treatments in RLS/WED?

Placebo treatments can significantly improve symptoms in:
  • Over one-third of patients
  • Response linked to dopamine and opioid systems
  • This improvement indicates psychological factors may influence symptom relief

What are the main characteristics of sleep-related movement disorders (SRMD)?

SRMD are defined by:
  • Simple, typically stereotyped, involuntary movements
  • Associated with disturbances (e.g., insomnia)
  • Can involve different body parts
  • Primary or secondary to conditions

What are the main disorders associated with sleep-related movement disorders (SRMDs)?

The common associations include:
  • Medical disorders
  • Neurological disorders
  • Psychiatric disorders
  • Sleep disorders
  • Drug-related conditions
  • Emphasis on RLS and PLMs

What are the main treatment options for restless legs syndrome (RLS)/Willis-Ekbom disease (WED)?

RLS/WED treatment options include:
  • Moderate to severe cases require pharmacological treatment.
  • Iron deficiency should be addressed with oral or intravenous iron.
  • Dopamine agonists are preferred therapeutic agents.
  • Address daily dysfunctions related to RLS/WED.

How do sleep-related movement disorders impact sleep and daily life?

These disorders can lead to:
  • Significant sleep disturbances (e.g., sleep fragmentation)
  • Symptoms during the day (e.g., fatigue, sleepiness)
  • Clinical relevance for specialists

How do comorbidities impact the treatment of sleep-related movement disorders?

Comorbidities can:
  1. Influence treatment outcomes
  2. Affect therapeutic approaches
  3. Complicate differential diagnosis
  4. Require considerations in prevention strategies

What are the necessary evaluations before initiating iron replacement therapy for RLS/WED?

Essential evaluations include:
  • Complete blood test to check systemic iron parameters.
  • Assess ferritin levels, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
  • Monitor serotonin saturation and transferrin levels.

What classification criteria are used for sleep-related movement disorders?

Classification criteria include:
  • Clinical features (simple vs. complex)
  • Clinical relevance (physiological vs. pathological)
  • Sleep stages (stage-dependent or independent)
  • Aetiology (primary vs. secondary)

What is the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in the general population?

RLS occurs in:
  • 3% to 10% of the general population
  • Higher prevalence in females
  • Chronic course often seen

When should iron replacement therapy be considered for RLS/WED patients?

Recommendations include:
  • When serum ferritin is less than 100 mcg/ml.
  • If transferrin saturation falls below 45%.
  • Even if ferritin > 100 mcg/ml, brain iron deficiency might benefit from therapy.

Describe the characteristics of restless legs syndrome (RLS).

RLS is marked by:
  • An irresistible urge to move the legs
  • Unpleasant sensations, sometimes painful
  • Symptoms worsen during inactivity
  • Relieved by movement and occurs mainly at night

How prevalent are periodic limb movements (PLMs) in patients with RLS?

About 80% of RLS patients experience PLMs; however, PLMs:
  • Can occur in the general population too
  • Do not always imply RLS association

What are the potential complications of long-term use of dopamine agonists in RLS treatment?

Potential complications include:
  • Risk of dopaminergic augmentation, leading to increased symptom severity.
  • Need for careful monitoring and possible adjustments to treatment plans.

What are the epidemiological features of restless legs syndrome?

Key features include:
  • Highest prevalence in Europeans (5%-12%)
  • Lower prevalence in Africans (1%-8%)
  • Increases with age (2% in children to 30% in elderly)
  • More common in women, influenced by parity

What are the main challenges in establishing causality between SRMDs and comorbidities?

Challenges include:
  • Limited longitudinal studies
  • Difficulty in deciphering causation
  • Complexity in the relationship between conditions

What conservative treatments are commonly adopted for mild RLS/WED symptoms?

Conservative treatments typically involve:
  • Good sleep hygiene practices.
  • Behavioural strategies for increased alertness.
  • Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
  • Employing tactile or temperature stimulation.

What defines periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)?

PLMD is characterized by:
  • Periodic limb movements during sleep
  • Clinical history of sleep disturbance
  • Polysomnography showing >5/hr in children, >15/hr in adults

What key role do respiratory-related leg movements (RRLMs) play in OSA and PLMs?

RRLMs:
  1. Occur at the end of breathing events
  2. Are distinct from PLMs
  3. Suggest a predisposition to both PLMs and RRLMs
  4. Influence the classification of leg movements

What role do vitamins play in the treatment of RLS/WED?

Vitamins may be considered for:
  • Supplementation if low levels of vitamins E, C, and D are present.
  • Lack of substantial evidence regarding effectiveness for improving RLS/WED symptoms.
  • Clarity on routine testing for vitamin levels is uncertain.

What are the potential causes of secondary restless legs syndrome?

Causes may include:
  • Iron deficiency
  • Pregnancy
  • Renal failure (uraemia)
  • Potential role of similar pathways in primary RLS

What has research indicated about the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and RLS?

Research shows:
  • Higher prevalence of RLS in OSA patients: 8.3% vs. 2.3% in controls
  • OSA is an independent risk factor for RLS
  • CPAP treatment can reduce RLS severity

Describe the general recommended starting point for treating PLMS associated with RLS.

Recommended starting points include:
  • Treating periodic leg movements of sleep (PLMS) when linked to sleep disturbances.
  • Addressing insomnia or daytime symptoms like fatigue to improve quality of life.

What defines restless legs syndrome (RLS) and its effects on sleep?

Restless legs syndrome is characterized by:

  • Rest-induced, movement-responsive urge to move legs
  • Mostly nocturnal symptoms
  • Disruption of sleep homeostasis leading to shortened sleep time (4.0-5.5 hrs)
  • Repetitive periodic leg movements (PLMS) in 88% of patients

What types of patients are likely to have PLMs related to narcolepsy (NC)?

In NC, PLMs are typically observed in:
  • 50%-70% of cases
  • Individuals positive for HLA DQB1*0602

What are the main non-pharmacological strategies for RLS treatment?

Main strategies include:
  • Engaging in exercise programs.
  • Good sleep hygiene practices.
  • Avoiding stimulants and improving sleep environments.

What neurophysiological findings are associated with periods of leg movements during RLS?

Periodic leg movements in sleep (PLMS) demonstrate:

  • Resemblance to spinal cord flexor reflex
  • Lower flexor reflex threshold indicating spinal cord hyperexcitability
  • Episodes not associated with circadian pattern
  • Reflects spinal hyperexcitability due to altered mechanisms

How does the prevalence of RLS differ between narcolepsy and general populations?

RLS prevalence in narcolepsy is significantly higher:
  • 14.7% in narcolepsy patients
  • 3.0% in controls

What factors influence the choice between oral and intravenous iron for RLS therapy?

Influential factors include:
  • Presence of intestinal malabsorption issues.
  • Previous treatment failures or intolerances to oral iron.
  • The need for a rapid response to treatment.

How is the heritability of restless legs syndrome (RLS) understood?

RLS is a familial disorder with:

  • Heritability estimated at 50%-60%
  • Complex multifactorial nature including both genetic and non-genetic factors
  • Identified six risk loci, affecting susceptibility
  • Associations linked to regulatory regions rather than coding regions

What findings relate to the comorbidity of RLS and rapid eye movement behavior disorder (RBD)?

Key findings include:
  • Documented association especially in neurodegenerative contexts
  • Uncertain if RBD is a significant risk factor for RLS
  • Independent risk factors noted in studies

Which psychiatric disorders are associated with sleep-related movement disorders?

Associated psychiatric disorders include:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Schizophrenia
  • ADHD

What role does brain iron homeostasis have in RLS pathophysiology?

Brain iron deficiency plays a critical role in RLS:

  • High prevalence in iron-deficient anemia patients (30%)
  • Patients exhibit reduced CSF ferritin and elevated CSF transferrin
  • Consistent brain regions affected include substantia nigra and thalamus
  • Impaired iron transport to the brain noted through elevated transferrin receptor

What dopaminergic abnormalities are identified in RLS patients?

Dopaminergic system abnormalities in RLS include:

  • Reduced f-DOPA uptake
  • Increased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining
  • Decreased dopamine transporter levels
  • Increased CSF biopterin levels
  • Indications of presynaptic hyperdopaminergic state

What role do longitudinal studies play in understanding SRMD causality?

Longitudinal studies are crucial for:
  • Establishing clear causation
  • Identifying relationships over time
  • Providing evidence for treatment effects

What are the characteristics and clinical features of sleep-related movement disorders?

These disorders include:
  1. Abnormal motor manifestations during sleep and waking.
  2. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is marked by:
  • An urge to move legs at rest.
  • - Symptoms worsen during inactivity.
  • - Alleviation occurs with movement.
3. Other conditions include:
  • Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).
  • - Rhythmic movement disorder.
  • - Bruxism.
4. Sleep disturbances like insomnia are common.

What are the established comorbidities frequently associated with sleep-related movement disorders (SRMDs)?

Several comorbidities are often seen with SRMDs:
  1. Sleep Disorders - OSA, narcolepsy, insomnia
  2. Neurological Disorders - Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis
  3. Medical Disorders - Renal failure, diabetes
  4. Psychiatric Disorders - Anxiety, depression

What is the definition of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?

RLS is characterized by a significant urge to move the legs primarily at night, which disrupts sleep.
  • Rest-induced
  • Movement-responsive
  • Nocturnal urge
  • Counter to sleep drive
  • PLMS occurrence in 88% of patients

How is restless legs syndrome (RLS) diagnosed?

Diagnosis requires:
1. Clinical history showing:
  • Urge to move legs with uncomfortable sensations.
  • - Symptoms worsen during rest, alleviated by movement.
  • - Occurs mainly in the evening/night.
2. Excluding other medical conditions.
3. Symptoms cause functional impairment.

How does Restless Legs Syndrome disrupt sleep?

Patients experience significant sleep disruption and shorter total sleep duration of 4.0-5.5 hours.
  • Moderate-to-severe RLS
  • Lack of daytime sleepiness
  • Enhanced arousal state
  • Impairment of neural mechanisms
  • Sensory motor function regulation

What is the prevalence and gender difference in restless legs syndrome?

RLS affects about:
  1. 2%-5% of adults in Europe, Canada, and the USA.
  2. Lower prevalence in Asia.
  3. More common in women than men.
  4. Severity is greater in females with a history of RLS.

What neurophysiological characteristic is observed in RLS during sleep?

A lower threshold of spinal cord flexor reflex is observed, indicating hyperexcitability during sleep.
  • Dorsiflexion of ankle
  • Flexion of knee and hip
  • PLMS resemblance
  • Cortical micro-arousals
  • Altered supraspinal-mediated mechanisms

What factors contribute to the severity of restless legs syndrome?

Factors influencing RLS severity:
  1. Age—prevalence increases with age.
  2. Family history—40%-60% of patients have relatives with RLS.
  3. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe forms.
  4. Chronic conditions like iron deficiency may exacerbate symptoms.

Which brain structures show low iron levels in RLS?

The substantia nigra and thalamus are consistently affected by low brain iron levels.
  • Substantia nigra
  • Thalamus
  • Iron management protein alterations
  • Choroid plexus
  • Brain microvasculature

What are the common sensory symptoms reported by patients with restless legs syndrome?

Patients commonly describe sensations as:
  1. Tingling.
  2. Burning.
  3. Tension.
  4. Electrical feeling.
  5. Unpleasant sensations felt deep in legs.
  6. Painful sensations reported by 55%-85% of patients.

What genetic factors are associated with Restless Legs Syndrome?

RLS is considered a familial disease, with heritability rates of 50%-60%.
  • Multifactorial disorder
  • Genetic and non-genetic factors
  • Risk loci (MEIS1, BTBD9, etc.)
  • Simple nucleotide polymorphisms
  • Regulatory regions

What lifestyle factors are associated with restless legs syndrome?

Factors that may be linked to RLS include:
  1. Excessive alcohol intake.
  2. Smoking.
  3. Physical inactivity.
  4. Symptoms often occur during rest, impacting activities like reading or watching TV.

How does altered brain iron homeostasis relate to RLS?

RLS symptoms often appear in conditions with insufficient iron availability; brain iron deficiency is common in RLS.
  • Prevalence in iron-deficient anemia
  • Reduced CSF ferritin
  • Elevated CSF transferrin levels
  • Normal serum levels
  • Impaired iron transport

How does restless legs syndrome impact sleep and quality of life?

RLS can lead to:
  1. Disturbed sleep—problems with sleep initiation and maintenance.
  2. Sleep inefficiency and reduced total sleep time.
  3. Increased fatigue and lower quality of life (QoL).
  4. Higher risk of depression and anxiety.

What role does dopamine play in Restless Legs Syndrome?

Abnormalities in the dopaminergic system contribute to both sensory and motor symptoms of RLS.
  • Therapeutic benefit of dopaminergic agents
  • Increased synthesis and release of dopamine
  • Implicated in PLMS
  • Changes in D2 receptor density
  • Role in spinal pathways

What are the classifications of restless legs syndrome?

RLS can be classified as:
  1. Chronic-persistent: symptoms occur more than twice weekly.
  2. Intermittent: symptoms occur less than twice weekly.
  3. Two forms: primary (sporadic/familial) and secondary (iron deficiency-related).

How has animal research contributed to understanding RLS?

Animal models demonstrate increased activity, reduced sleep, and heightened PLMS with brain iron deficiency.
  • Increased locomotor activity
  • Circadian sleep architecture
  • Neurochemical alterations
  • Dopaminergic system effects
  • Alterations related to iron levels

What physical examination findings are normal in restless legs syndrome patients?

In RLS, examinations typically show:
  1. Normal coloration and temperature of the legs.
  2. Absence of tendinous reflex abnormalities.
  3. Normal muscle strength and sensitivity.
  4. Caution needed for symptoms suggesting other neurological conditions.

What can be observed in patients with RLS in terms of electroencephalography?

Increased electroencephalographic high frequencies during the sleep onset period are significant in RLS patients.
  • Sleep onset period
  • Arousal "drive" enhancement
  • Abnormalities in sensory-motor integration
  • Correlations with wake times
  • Changes in regional brain activity

What are some associated conditions and potential complications of restless legs syndrome?

Associated risks include:
  1. Higher likelihood of sleep disruption and insomnia.
  2. Increased risk of depression and anxiety.
  3. Possible links to cardiovascular risks, like coronary artery disease.
  4. Association with ADHD in various age groups.

What is the genetic heritability estimate for RLS?

Heritability of RLS is approximately 50%-60%, indicating a familial aspect to the disorder.
  • Complexity of the disorder
  • Role of environmental factors
  • Risk loci identification
  • Heritability in population studies
  • Genetic variants impact

What are sleep-related movement disorders characterized by?

These disorders feature abnormal motor manifestations that occur during:
  • Sleep
  • Transition from wakefulness to sleep
  • Include conditions like restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).

What is the relationship between iron deficiency and RLS?

Many RLS patients show brain iron deficiency rather than systemic iron deficiency, impacting symptoms.
  • Significant prevalence in iron-deficiency anemia
  • CSF ferritin and transferrin levels
  • Connection to brain functions
  • Variability in affected brain regions
  • Neuroimaging and post-mortem findings

How is restless legs syndrome (RLS) diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves:
  • Clinical history collection
  • Recognizing symptoms during wakefulness
  • Symptoms include an urge to move the legs at rest, alleviated by movement.

How are PLMS and arousal related in RLS?

PLMS often occurs with arousal; the onset of arousal may precede leg movements in 50% of cases.
  • Separated by >0.5 s
  • Mechanisms for both events
  • Correlation with movement duration
  • Increase in arousal episodes
  • Sensory-motor integration conflict

What are common symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Symptoms include:
  • Urge to move legs at rest
  • Occurs in the evening or night
  • Alleviated by movement
  • Associated with insomnia.

What are the key sleep-related movement disorders classified by the 2014 International Classification of Sleep Disorders?

The key disorders include:
  1. Restless legs syndrome (RLS)/Willis-Ekbom disease
  2. Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)
  3. Leg cramps
  4. Sleep-related bruxism
  5. Sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder
  6. Benign sleep myoclonus of infancy
  7. Propriospinal myoclonus at sleep onset
  8. Hypnic jerks
  9. Excessive fragmentary hypnic myoclonus

What is the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

The prevalence of RLS is approximately:
  • 2%-5% in adults in Europe, Canada, and the USA
  • Lower prevalence in Asia
  • Increases with age.

How does the experience of RLS differ between men and women?

Women with RLS often exhibit:
  • More severe symptoms compared to men
  • Lower serum ferritin levels
  • Less periodic leg movements during polysomnography.

What sensory symptoms are commonly associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Sensory symptoms may include:
  • Tingling
  • Burning sensations
  • Tenseness or electric feeling
  • Descriptions often vary among patients.

What lifestyle factors may be linked to restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Potential lifestyle links to RLS include:
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Smoking
  • Physical inactivity
  • May exacerbate symptoms.

What are the two main classifications of restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

RLS can be classified as:
  1. Primary (sporadic or familial)
  2. Secondary (linked to iron deficiency or other conditions).

What are common consequences of sleep-related movement disorders?

Common consequences include:
  • Sleep initiation and maintenance insomnia
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Patients often seek medical advice for these issues.

What diagnostic criteria are established for diagnosing restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

The diagnostic criteria include:
  • An urge to move legs with uncomfortable sensations
  • Symptoms worsen during rest
  • Alleviation with movement
  • Symptoms cause distress or impairment.

How are periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) related to RLS?

PLMS are observed in:
  • Over 80% of patients with RLS
  • Potentially asymptomatic or causing sleep fragmentation.

What comorbidities are associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Associated comorbidities include:
  • Sleep disruption
  • Increased cardiovascular risk
  • Issues with mood, including anxiety and depression.

What role does video-polysomnography play in diagnosing sleep-related movement disorders?

Video-polysomnography can reveal:
  • Specific findings allowing diagnosis
  • Observe abnormal motor manifestations during sleep
  • Provide crucial clues for distinguishing disorders.

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