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Patients with periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) are unlikely to know what is occurring during sleep unless alerted by a bed partner. They most often visit a physician with complaints of daytime sleepiness or insomnia.

A physician will likely perform a review of the patient’s medical history, a physical examination and a neurological examination. The medical history will include a review of the patient’s symptoms, including any witnessed by the patient’s bed partner. The neurological exam typically tests the patient’s reflexes, coordination and mental status. It helps eliminate epilepsy and similar conditions as possible causes of the patient’s symptoms.

Blood tests are also often performed. These measure the body’s amounts of circulating iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, thyroid hormones and magnesium. The results help the physician rule out other possible causes of the patient’s insomnia or fatigue.

Urine tests may also be recommended to identify whether certain medications or illicit drugs could be causing the patient’s symptoms.