Could poor diet cause PLMS?

[Kristina1]

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.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

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

[123mom]

Hi, I've been reading alot of posts, actually to see if I can help myself out.  So many people have alot of these same symptoms. I to have the jerky twitching but not over the whole body.  How did they check for the electrolyte imbalance? I was once told I drink to much water that could cause it. What type of doctor would do this? I  also do not eat alot of meat like yourself. Is it diet?  I seriously think it might be. Good Luck!  Donna

[Kristina1]

Hi,
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.

[vetiver2]

A related discussion, Cause of plms and shallow breathing was started.