A lot of people suffer from RLS, some (like me) suffer from PLM, few have mentioned RSB. There is also a mention to Parkinson's, at a later date.
So, what is the difference? Yes, I know; but the postings get confusing suggesting results, or "try this", but not explaining the product AND which of the above it has "resolved".
It's all very confusing. Meant a bit, tongue in cheek, but thanks all.
The way I see it Spurdog, this is a forum for RLS. Thus, I assume that people are referring to RLS unless they state otherwise.
With respect to RLS and PLMD, the same medications are by and large used to treat both conditions.So even though I predominantly experience PLMD, I still find this forum helpful for finding out about various treatments.
Further, many people have both RLS and PLMs/PLMD.
I haven't come across the acronym RSB. People here may refer to Parkinson's because they have the condition or because some RLS medications (eg pramipexole) are also used to treat Parkinson's.
Thanks Amrob. I appreciate your input.
Spot on, but I was only making a point, of confusion. Please no-one take it seriously.
RSBD (refers to REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder).I have PLMD only, and I say a prayer, but RSBD could be similar or the same as PLMD. Someone may clarify this, as PLMD I believe is totally to do with Sleep, and so is RSBD. Is RSBD something different, or has the name changed from PLMD,
😃
Hi Spurdog.
I don't know what RSB is!
The most significant difference between RLS and PLMS is that RLS happens when you're awake and PLMS when you're asleep. PLMS is typified by movements whereas RLS is more typified by sensations.
However involuntary movements can occur in RLS and 80% or more of people with RLS also have PLMS.
The causes of both appear to be very similar and so are the treatments.
It's often quoted that there are two neurotransmitters involved in RLS/PLMS, dopamine and glutamate.
The two sets of drugs that deal with these I've read have slightly different effects one being better for RLS and the other for PLMS. My own thought is perhaps this is what makes the difference i.e. whether you have more of a dopamine dysfunction, whether you have more of a glutamate dysfunction or whether you have both.
RLS/PLMS are associated with dopamine dysfunction in fairly distinct areas in the brain and is a dysfunction rather than a lack of dopamine.
Parkinson's disease (PD) affects a different specific part of the brain, the substantia nigra and it is due to a lack of dopamine because of the death of cells not a dopamine dysfunction. Also glutamate is not involved.
Hence the signs and symptoms of PD are very different and more disabling.
Hope that's not too serious.
Dear Manerva. I am becoming quite a fan of you. Can I give you a hug?
I have attached a link below, but I think I originally heard it on Youtube. University of Michigan Michaela B.... can I find the link "No".
mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...
Sorry no hugs, I'm shielding!
Thanks for telling me about RSB, I'm reading it now.
From what I can gather RSB doesn't involve either of the neurotransmitters involved in RLS/PLMS.
What happens in REM sleep is the brain is very active, but body movements are paralysed. In RSB there is a failure of this paralysis mechanism.
I have expereinced the opposite of this, i.e. where I have woken up, but still paralysed. This is known as sleep paralyisis and can be quite frightening.
Whereas RSB occurs during REM sleep, PLMS tends to occur during slow wave sleep and disturbs slow wave sleep, (where the brain isn't active). The movements are rhyhmic raher than acting anything out.
The causes of RLS/PLMD and RSB are different.
I suppose you could have both - nightmare!!!!!
Please no more nightmares. So far among others I have driven a large cube, yes you heard. Someone was trying to climb on the cube, I was kicking them off.
The second I was running 40 miles(Yeah, right!!!-only in your dreams pal) to Birmingham UK, as I had run out of PPE. On the ridges of Malvern Hills I was attacked by a mountain goat. I dropped to the ground and as he jumped to attack me, I got my feet under his tummy. Sadly he went over the edge.
Oh well at least It gives us all a laugh.
I have PLMS when I am awake.
Sorry Sue you can't have PLMS when awake PLMS means PLM when Sleeping.
PLM when Awake is called PLMA, but who's splitting hairs?
Manerva, is there somewhere (that you are aware of) that focus's on PLMD (Alone), as opposed to lumping it in with RLSD. Yes, there are similar treatments but from a selfish point of PLMD, the water gets muddy with RLSD?
I was in hospital recently having my monthly MS drug by intravenous infusion. Takes about 3- 4 hours & usually there are 4 or 5 other patients.I watched the man opposite me fall into a deep sleep and his legs jerked every 10 seconds. He didn't waken & didn't seem disturbed by it. Each leg twitched alternately.
I knew instantly that he had PLMD as the leg jerks/ twitches were the same as mine except only one of my legs is affected at a time.
When he woke I asked him if he had RLS as well. He said not and that he sleeps like a log and doesn't feel tired in the day!
It was fascinating to meet someone with a similar condition but who doesn't seem to be affected by it at all.
30% of MS patients also have RLS or PLMD. I'd never seen someone sleep through such violent twitches before.
Not really answering your post but it was educational!
Omgoodness what a difference 
Alcohol and exercise makes no difference to me
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