Leg shaking

[Wenpen]

My husbands leg shakes every 16 seconds at night and would continue unless I didnt kick it. What is this and should I do anything about it

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

How old is your husband? Does he experience any other symptoms? Does the leg shaking occur anytime else other than at night? Does it only occur when sleeping?

Your husband's symptoms do not suggest a definite condition that could be causing the leg shakes because it is a non-specific symptom. Leg shakes could be caused by many conditions including endocrine disorders, physiologic tremors exacerbated by stress, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, restless leg syndrome(RLS), and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).

If the shakes only occur at night, it is likely that he has PLMD. In this condition, the leg muscles involuntarily and repetitively contract and jerk every 20 to 40 seconds during sleep. The contractions occasionally arouse patients, but often they are unaware of the interruption.This disorder can also be associated with RLS in about 30% of cases.

Have your husband consult a neurologist to evaluate his condition. And please stop kicking him.

Hope this helps.

[Caliber2005]

Hi,
I think he might have what we call as Restless legs syndrome (RLS).
It is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest in an effort to relieve these feelings.
Is your husband aware of all this? Does he know that he shakes his legs continuously?
Does he have disease for which he is taking medications for long?
Alternatively, Muscles twitching are also called as fasciculation’s. Muscle twitching is the result of minor local muscle contractions or the uncontrollable twitching of a single muscle group served by a single motor nerve fiber or filament. Some minor muscle twitching is common and goes unnoticed, but some may be sign of underlying neurological disorder.
Benign twitches are normal and quite common, often triggered by stress or anxiety. Any irregularity in your daily diet can also cause similar symptoms. Any drug overdose especially caffeine. Exercise can also induce twitching.
Does he have any muscle weakness or pain, tingling and numbness?
Since these symptoms are prolonged and annoying, you can take help of neurologist and physician at earliest.
Hope this helps.
Bye.