Periodic limb movement disorder

The natural course has not been clearly defined in research studies. Primary PLMD may follow a chronic course, or a relapsing or remitting course; treatment does not seem to modify the disease course.

PLMD associated with other conditions may cease or improve with treatment of the underlying cause (e.g., reversal of iron deficiency state or of uremia) and cessation of certain causative drugs (benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and barbiturates).