Restless leg syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move one's body to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations. It most commonly affects the legs, but can also affect the arms, torso, and even phantom limbs. Moving the affected body part modulates the sensations, providing temporary relief.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Restless Leg Syndrome is a desire to move the limbs, often associated with uncomfortable sensations in the affected areas. These sensations, which generally occur within the limb rather than on the skin, are described as crawling, creeping, pulling, throbbing, aching, itching, and electric. The severity of RLS symptoms ranges from mild to intolerable. Symptoms can come and go and severity can also vary. The symptoms are generally worse in the evening and at night. For some people, symptoms may cause severe nightly sleep disruption that can significantly impair their quality of life.

Causes

The cause of Restless Leg Syndrome is often unknown. However, it may be associated with the following conditions: pregnancy, obesity, smoking, iron deficiency and anemia, nerve disease, polyneuropathy (which can be associated with hypothyroidism, heavy metal toxicity, or other conditions), and kidney failure (which can be associated with vitamin D deficiency). Some drugs and medications have been associated with RLS including caffeine, alcohol, H2-histamine blockers and certain antidepressants.

Treatment

Treatment of RLS should not be considered until possible medical causes are ruled out. Secondary causes may include iron deficiency, anemia, or pregnancy. For those whose RLS is a symptom of another disease, treating the disease often offers significant relief. A number of medications, including dopaminergic agents, benzodiazepines, opioids, and anticonvulsants are known to alleviate the symptoms. In addition, lifestyle changes such as exercise, maintaining a regular sleep pattern, abstaining from caffeine, and smoking cessation can be beneficial.

Epidemiology

Restless Leg Syndrome affects approximately 10% of adults in the U.S. Women are affected twice as often as men and it becomes more common with age. Many people with RLS will not seek medical attention, believing that they will not be taken seriously, or that their symptoms are too mild or intermittent to warrant medical attention.

See also

• Periodic limb movement disorder
• Sleep disorder
• Insomnia
• Sleep paralysis