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Doing the Jerk

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Created: December 11, 2003

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"For approx 6 weeks I have been suffering severe muscle spasms once I'm relaxed and about to fall asleep. Initially my legs and back were involved. My legs bend at the knees and my feet slide up to my buttocks. My back arches and lifts 6-7 inches off the bed.

These spasms only last seconds and are quite violent. They occur every 40-50 seconds. They only begin once I am fully relaxed.

Once I manage to fall asleep they stop. The spasms are now occurring in my shoulders and neck - my head turns 45 degrees. It's very painful, and the next morning I feel stiff and sore. These are occurring every night. What is it?"

Of course, without a complete medical exam and a sleep study (which SharonJo reports she is booked for in May,) it's not possible to give a definitive answer.

However, three possibilities do come to mind, given these symptoms: Myoclonus, restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder.

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