nocturnal myoclonus

noc·tur·nal my·oc·lo·nus

frequently repeated muscular jerks occurring at the moment of dropping off to sleep.

A condition defined as a distressing need or urge to move the legs (or arms)—akathisia—usually accompanied by an uncomfortable deep-seated sensation in the legs that is brought on by rest—sitting or lying down, relieved by moving or walking, and worse at night or in the evening. RLS may be accompanied by involuntary limb movements while the patient is asleep
Management For nightly symptoms, dopaminergics are the agents of first choice, opiates second choice; for pain, gabapentin, opiates, dopaminergics, then sedative-hypnotics

nocturnal myoclonus

1. Restless legs, see there; a condition of periodic lower-leg movements during sleep with associated daytime sleepiness, or complaints of insomnia. See Sleep disorder.

2. Sleep-related myoclonus, see there.

noc·tur·nal my·oc·lo·nus

(nok-tŭr'năl mī-ok'lō-nŭs)

Frequently repeated muscular jerks occurring at the moment of dropping off to sleep.

Nocturnal myoclonus

A disorder in which the patient is awakened repeatedly during the night by cramps or twitches in the calf muscles. Nocturnal myoclonus is sometimes called periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).

Mentioned in: Sleep Disorders