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Jerking movements at onset of sleep

My daughter is 7 years old.  She was diagnosed with Absence Seizures when she was 2.  Since the age of 3 she has always had jerking movements upon sleep.  Before she started her seizur meds she would have motor tics on the right side of her body with her mouth and hand/arm.  She also has ADHD.  She would run all day and when you get her in one spot she was out.  ABout 5 to 10 minutes into sleep, she starts jerking her arms, legs, and sometimes her head.  It does not wake her up.  However, there has been many times when we heard a loud thud and found her on her floor still asleep.  Other times she states that she is scared and comes into our room.  She has had 2 24 long term EEGs (awake and alseep).  Can this test be used to see if there is a underline sleep disorder?  Or should she have a sleep study?  She is having a hard time in school and has already been held back once.  I feel that this sleep issue is affecting her ability to store information.  I know that is a reach, but ideas would be great.  thank you
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Avatar universal
Hi there, I am wondering if you have been in touch yet about a sleep study?  I have also sent you a message if you dont mind, my daughter is experiencing very similar symptoms and we are currently waiting on a eeg.
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
One condition to be ruled out in your daughter’s case is of restless leg syndrome. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that affects movements of the legs. Because it usually interferes with sleep, it also is considered a sleep disorder.

Since her 24hrs EEG has come not normal, it is less likely to be due to seizures but is related to a sleep disorder. She needs to get a sleep study done after consulting a sleep specialist.

I hope it helps. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello, understand your anxiety. In the initial phases of the sleep cycle and while awakening, we tend to be more conscious or alert. If we study the brain waves at these phases they tend to show the alert wave pattern, this could cause the movements. If it is not interfering with her sleep schedules you don't have to worry. If it persists or is troublesome, then it could be due to a sleep disorder called Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD). They disrupt sleep and cause involuntary movements during sleep. The cause is not known. They can be diagnosed with a sleep study and medications help to control them. EEG will not help to diagnose this condition, she needs a sleep study. Consult her doctor for assessment. Regards.
Helpful - 0
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