Higher Prevalence of Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep in Patients with History of Stroke

Study Objectives: The association between obstructive sleep apnea and stroke is well established. Less is known about the relationship between stroke and periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). This study sought to assess the frequency of PLMS in patients with a history of stroke. Methods: We reviewed the medical and polysomnographic records of 40 patients with a history of stroke and 40 control patients matched for age, sex, and risk factors. Results: 19 patients with a history of stroke (47.5%) and 5 control patients (12.5%) had a PLMS index > 5/h (p < 0.001). The average PLMS index was also lower in control patients than patients with stroke (1.9 +/- 0.7 and 11.7 +/- 3.4; p = 0.006). Conclusions: Our patients with a history of stroke had a greater prevalence and severity of PLMS than control patients. These limb movements may have implications for secondary stroke prevention as well as stroke recovery.