Doctor, Doctor...
By Dave Hall
Back for more in 2008, for all you hypochondriacs out there, Dave Hall continues his regular look at a some of the more unusual medical conditions, as well as some you thought you knew all about.
This week: NOCTURNAL MYOCLONUS - RESTLESS LEG SYNROME
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Condition – Nocturnal myoclonus, also called Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) or Restless Leg Syndrome, is a sleep disorder where your limbs move involuntarily during sleep. It can cause insomnia and daytime sleepiness. The incidence of this disorder increases with age; it occurs in an estimated 5% of people age 30 to 50 and in 44% of people over the age of 65. Although it is not all that serious, there have been some unusual occasions when people have injured themselves (or their partners) with this condition.
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Contagion – PLMD is not caught off people, so you can sleep (relatively) easy.
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| Danger of death – Unless you kick over a candle and burn to death in your sleep, none. |  |
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Incurability? – Nocturnal myoclonus can be treated by taking medication, which suppresses the body and relaxes the muscles – making it less likely to kick your legs.
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Likelihood of getting time off work – Unless you fall asleep at your desk and start kicking the secretary, you’ll be unlikely to get time off. Best get yourself on the drugs and have some quality rest.
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| Brag-ability – Not much to shout about if you are going to go home and kick lumps out of your partner, or your bedposts. ‘Restless leg syndrome’ definitely has a camp ring about it. |
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Overall ridiculousness – Julie Sanders, of Idaho, USA, complained that her husband kicked her every night for 27 years before he was diagnosed with the condition. Don’t let it happen to you! |
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More conditions to come soon:
Donovanosis, Hyperekplexia and more.
Find more curious conditions in Doctor Doctor. If you can't wait for the next Doctor Doctor, then why not find a Phunny Phobia to keep you going?
Photo: Wikiman86/Wiki
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