Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that is characterized by the following four major features: 1) a compulsory desire to move the limbs usually associated with a sensation of burning or tingling; 2) motor movement to relieve the discomfort such as floor pacing, leg rubbing, or streching the limb; 3) partial or temporary relief of symptoms by activity; and 4) worsening of the symptoms at rest and in the evening or night. Patients with RLS may also experience sleep disturbances and periodic leg movements either during sleep or while awake.

The prevalence of RLS in the general population has been estimated to range from 2% to 15% and it occurs more frequently in women than men. Although the symptoms of RLS can start at any age, in about 50% of patients the onset of symptoms begins before age 20. RLS often affects members of the same family and recent research indicates that there may be an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance.

Doctors still do not exactly understand what causes RLS. In fact, most cases of RLS are referred to as "idiopathic", meaning that the cause is unknown. Research indicates that RLS can be associated with other underlying medical conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, iron deficiency, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, peripheral neuropathy, and Parkinson's disease.

Treatment of "secondary RLS" that is associated with another underlying medical condition is to identify and treat the underlying condition. For example, secondary RLS associated with iron deficiency can be treated with iron supplementation to control the symptoms of RLS.

A variety of different classes of drugs (eg. dopaminergic drugs, benzodiazepines, opiates, and anticonvulsants) are available for the management of idiopathic RLS. Since many RLS patients also experience significant sleep difference causing them to feel tired and sluggish during the day, sleep hygiene education is an important aspect of managing patients with RLS. A variety of lifestyle modifications such as avoidance of alcohol, caffeine, and medications that may aggravate RLS is also helpful for controlling symptoms.

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• What are the risk factors of Restless Legs Syndrome?
• What standard and alternative treatment options are available?
• Where are the leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Restless Legs Syndrome research and treatment?
• What are the results of the latest clinical trials?
• Where are the support groups and additional resources in my area?
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