Restless Legs
What you need to know about Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).
WHAT IS RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME?
RLS is essentially classified as a sleep disorder because the symptoms are triggered by resting or trying to sleep. However, it may also be classified as a movement disorder because the sufferer must move the legs to get the symptoms to abate. Additionally, RLS can be characterized as a neurological sensory disorder because the symptoms are literally created inside the brain.
WHAT CAUSES RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME?
Listed below are some other factors and underlying conditions that RLS accompanies, or may be related to:
- End-stage renal disease/hemodialysis
- iron deficiencies
- Some medications may aggravate RLS, including antinausea drugs, antipsychotics, antidepressants that increase serotonin production, and some cold and allergy medications
- Alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine use
- Pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester
- Nerve damage/neuropathy
- Sleep deprivation and/or sleep apnea
DIAGNOSING RLS
There are five general criteria that doctors use for producing a clinical diagnosis:
- A strong urge to move the legs, often associated with unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations
- The urge to move the legs begins or worsens during rest or inactivity
- Moving the legs will partially or totally relieve the uncomfortable sensations, at least temporarily
- The urge to move the legs begins in the evening or at night
- None of the above are correlated with any other medical or behavioral conditions
Physicians will evaluate the descriptions of symptoms given by the patient, any triggers or relieving factors, and the presence or absence of symptoms during the day. Neurological and physical examinations may be performed and the patient’s medical and family history will be thoroughly explored, as well as current medications.
There are some tests that may be appropriate. Sometimes a doctor will want to run blood tests to rule out other conditions like kidney failure or iron deficiency anemia. For some patients it may be appropriate to have a sleep study (polysomnography) performed to explore other factors that may contribute to sleep disruptions and RLS symptoms.
TREATING RLS
Treatment for RLS may include:
- Lifestyle changes — reducing alcohol and tobacco, changing sleep patterns, a prescribed exercise program, leg massage, warm baths, and using heating pads or ice packs are all options.
- Iron supplements taken orally, or intravenously may improve symptoms.
- Dopaminergic agents, opioids, and benzodiazepines may be used depending on the patient’s unique circumstances.
