Definition: Excessive periodic leg movements during sleep that cause micro-arousals and interfere with the maintenance of sleep. This condition induces a state of relative sleep deprivation which manifests as excessive daytime hypersomnolence. The movements are characterized by repetitive contractions of the tibialis anterior muscle, extension of the toe, and intermittent flexion of the hip, knee and ankle. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p387)
Other names Sleep Related Periodic Leg Movements, Excessive; Sleep Myoclonus Syndromes; Nocturnal Myoclonus Syndromes; Myoclonus Syndromes, Sleep; Myoclonus Syndrome, Sleep; Myoclonus Syndrome, Nocturnal; Excessive Periodic Sleep Related Leg Movements; Sleep-Related Periodic Leg Movements, Excessive; Periodic Leg Movements, Excessive, Sleep-Related; Excessive Periodic Sleep-Related Leg Movements; Syndromes, Sleep Myoclonus; Syndrome, Sleep Myoclonus; Syndrome, Nocturnal Myoclonus; Sleep Myoclonus Syndrome; Sleep Disorder, Periodic Movements; Periodic Movement Disorder, Sleep; Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
