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Updated: May 16, 2026

Spinal Cord Electrophysiology II: Extracellular Suction Electrode Fabrication
Published on: February 20, 2011
Spinal cord injury as a trigger to develop periodic leg movements during sleep: an evolutionary perspective
Susana Cristina Lerosa Telles1, Rosana S Cardoso Alves, Gerson Chadi
1Neuroregeneration Center, Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo SP, Brazil. telles.susana@gmail.com
Abstract:
The primary trigger to periodic limb movement (PLM) during sleep is still unknown. Its association with the restless legs syndrome (RLS) is established in humans and was reported in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients classified by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) as A. Its pathogenesis has not been completely unraveled, though recent advances might enhance our knowledge about those malfunctions. PLM association with central pattern generator (CPG) is one of the possible pathologic mechanisms involved. This article reviewed the advances in PLM and RLS genetics, the evolution of CPG functioning, and the neurotransmitters involved in CPG, PLM and RLS. We have proposed that SCI might be a trigger to develop PLM.
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