Which of the following is a common cause of secondary PLMS?

Which of the following is a common cause of secondary PLMS?

• A. Blood iron deficiency
• B. Vitamin C deficiency
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Thyroid excess

Answer: (A)

Secondary PLMS arises from an underlying condition that disrupts the dopaminergic system regulating leg movements during sleep. Brain iron is essential for dopamine synthesis, so when iron stores are low, dopamine activity decreases and periodic limb movements during sleep become more likely. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of secondary PLMS, and addressing iron deficiency often reduces symptoms. Vitamin C deficiency does not directly cause PLMS, and hyperglycemia or thyroid excess are not commonly linked as primary drivers of these movements.

Secondary PLMS arises from an underlying condition that disrupts the dopaminergic system regulating leg movements during sleep. Brain iron is essential for dopamine synthesis, so when iron stores are low, dopamine activity decreases and periodic limb movements during sleep become more likely. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of secondary PLMS, and addressing iron deficiency often reduces symptoms.

Vitamin C deficiency does not directly cause PLMS, and hyperglycemia or thyroid excess are not commonly linked as primary drivers of these movements.