Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology (Expert Forum)
Could poor diet cause PLMS?
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Could poor diet cause PLMS?
by Kristina1, Oct 05, 2003 12:00AM
I am a 31-year-old woman. I have random muscles twitching all over the body and small involuntary arms hands and legs movements. I went to the doctor who sent me to the neurologist who diagnosed a temporary electrolyte imbalance and iperexcitability of the muscles and prescribed Magnesium (600 mg a day). The symptoms improved a little immediately but after 2 months of taking the supplement did not improve any further. I also started having a sudden leg or body jerk that wakes me up when I am trying to sleep (average 1 or 2 times a night). The neurologist added a PLMS-RLS diagnosis and prescribed a new medication that contains a protein and is used for Parkinson patients (sorry can’t remember the name). At this point I HAVE A QUESTION: I eat very little meat, no fish, and in general little proteins. Could my symptoms be caused by my diet?? (Other minor symptoms I have are: occasional and light hands tremors, palpitations, nervousness. Tremors are occasionally worse after working out). Please give me your opinion and advice. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Oct 07, 2003 12:00AM
PLMS-RLS has been associated with anemia, iron deficiency, diabetes (although not typically the first sign), and kidney disease. These can be tested for by checking a electrolyte panel and a complete blood count. Also a serum iron would be helpful. Given the lack of meat in your diet, iron should be considered. I hope this helps. Good luck
The generic doctor talked to me first about the possibility of electrolite imbalance and told me to drink lot of Gatorate until I had an appointment with the Neurologist. The Neurologist didn't check for anemia, iron deficiency, diabetes or kidney disease. And he didn’t order an electrolyte panel (but I had with me the complete blood count that the regular doctor had ordered). As far as your water drinking question: I never heard of drinking too much water, always the contrary. For the diet: I started to eat more proteins and I am taking more magnesium (800mg a day ) and the symptoms are getting better. Go to see your doctor maybe if it’s helpful in your case he/she will even advice you to see a Neurologist. Good luck.