answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer
Definition

Restless leg syndrome is a disorder in which there is an urge or need to move the legs to stop unpleasant sensations.

Alternative Names

Nocturnal myoclonus; RLS; Akathisia

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults. Stress makes it worse. The cause is not known in most patients.

RLS may occur more often in patients with:

RLS is commonly passed down in families. This may be a factor when symptoms start at a younger age. The abnormal gene has not yet been identified.

Restless leg syndrome can result in a decreased quality of sleep (insomnia). This lack of sleep can lead to daytime sleepiness, anxiety or depression, and confusion or slowed thought processes.

Symptoms

RLS leads to sensations in the lower legs between the knee and ankle. The feeling makes you uncomfortable unless you move your legs. These sensations:

  • Usually occur at night when you lie down, or sometimes during the day when you sit for long periods of time
  • May be described as creeping, crawling, aching, pulling, searing, tingling, bubbling, or crawling
  • May last for 1 hour or longer
  • Sometimes also occur in the upper leg, feet, or arms

You will feel an irresistible urge to walk or move your legs, which almost always relieves the discomfort.

Most patients have rhythmic leg movements during sleep hours, called periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).

All of these symptoms often disturb sleep. Symptoms can make it difficult to sit during air or car travel, or through classes or meetings.

Symptoms may be worse during stress or emotional upset.

Signs and tests

There is no specific test for restless leg syndrome.

The health care provider will not usually find any problems, unless you also have peripheral nerve disease.

Tests will be done to rule out disorders with similar symptoms, including iron deficiency anemia.

Treatment

There is no known cure for restless leg syndrome.

Treatment is aimed at reducing stress and helping the muscles relax. The following techniques may help:

  • Gentle stretching exercises
  • Massage
  • Warm baths

Low doses of pramipexole (Mirapex) or ropinirole (Requip) can be very effective at controlling symptoms in some people.

If your sleep is severely disrupted, your health care provider may prescribe medications such as Sinemet (an anti-Parkinson's medication), gabapentin and pregabalin, or tranquilizers such as clonazepam. However, these medications may cause daytime sleepiness.

Patients with iron deficiency should receive iron supplements.

Low doses of narcotics may sometimes relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

Expectations (prognosis)

Restless leg syndrome is not dangerous or life-threatening, and it is not a sign of a serious disorder. However, it can be uncomfortable and disrupt your sleep, which can affect your quality of life.

Complications

Insomnia may occur.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

  • You have symptoms of restless leg syndrome
  • Your sleep is disrupted
Prevention

Techniques to promote muscle relaxation and stress reduction may reduce the incidence of restless leg syndrome in people prone to the condition.

References

Biller J, Love BB, Schneck MJ. Sleep and its disorders. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Bradley: Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann Elsevier; 2008:chap 72.

Lang AE. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 417.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 09/26/2011

Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, and David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
Definition

Restless leg syndrome is a disorder in which there is an urge or need to move the legs to stop unpleasant sensations.

Alternative Names

Nocturnal myoclonus; RLS; Akathisia

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults. Stress makes it worse. The cause is not known in most patients.

RLS may occur more often in patients with:

A form of RLS may be passed down in families. This may be a factor when symptoms start at a younger age. The abnormal gene has not yet been identified.

Restless leg syndrome can result in a decreased quality of sleep (insomnia). This lack of sleep can lead to daytime sleepiness, anxiety or depression, and confusion or slowed thought processes.

Symptoms

RLS leads to sensations in the lower legs that make you uncomfortable unless you move your legs. These sensations:

  • Usually occur at night when you lie down, or sometimes during the day when you sit for long periods of time
  • May be described as creeping, crawling, aching, pulling, searing, tingling, bubbling, or crawling
  • May last for 1 hour or longer
  • Sometimes also occur in the upper leg, feet, or arms

You will feel an irresistible urge to walk or move your legs, which almost always relieves the discomfort.

Most patients have rhythmic leg movements during sleep hours, called periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).

All of these symptoms often disturb sleep. Symptoms can make it difficult to sit during air or car travel, or through classes or meetings.

Note: Symptoms may be worse during stress or emotional upset.

Signs and tests

There is no specific examination for restless leg syndrome. The health care provider will not usually find any abnormalities, unless you also have peripheral nerve disease. Blood tests (CBC and serum ferritin) may be done to rule out iron deficiency anemia, which in rare cases can occur with restless leg syndrome.

Examination and testing may be used to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms.

Treatment

There is no known cure for restless leg syndrome.

Treatment is aimed at reducing stress and helping the muscles relax. The following techniques may help:

  • Warm baths
  • Gentle stretching exercises
  • Massage

Low doses of pramipexole or ropinirole (Requip) can be very effective at controlling symptoms in some people.

If your sleep is severely disrupted, your health care provider may prescribe medications such as Sinemet (an anti-Parkinson's medication), gabapentin and pregabalin, or tranquilizers such as clonazepam. However, these medications may cause daytime sleepiness.

Patients with iron deficiency will receive iron supplements.

Low doses of narcotics may sometimes relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

Expectations (prognosis)

Restless leg syndrome is not dangerous or life-threatening, and it is not a sign of a serious disorder. However, it can be uncomfortable and disrupt your sleep.

Complications

Insomnia may occur.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

  • You have symptoms of restless leg syndrome
  • Your sleep is disrupted
Prevention

Techniques to promote muscle relaxation and stress reduction may reduce the incidence of restless leg syndrome in people prone to the condition.

References

Bayard M, Avonda T, Wadzinski J. Restless legs syndrome. Am Fam Physician. 2008;78(2):235-240.

Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

Kushida CA. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and quality of life issues in restless legs syndrome. Am J Med. 2007;120:S4-S12.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Uncomfortable restless and twitching of the muscles of the legs, particularly the calf muscles, along with an indescribable tingling, aching, or crawling-insect sensation.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Restless leg syndrom
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Does Vitamin B complex make Restless Leg Syndrom symptoms worse?

What_are_the_symptoms_of_vitamin_b_complex_deficiency


How dangerous is the restless leg syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome is not considered life-threatening, but it can significantly impact quality of life by causing discomfort and difficulty with sleep. It can lead to sleep deprivation and daytime fatigue if not managed effectively. Seeking medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment is recommended for those experiencing symptoms.


What causes restless leg syndrom?

Usually sitting in one place for a long time or standing too long can cause restless leg syndrome.There are a few things that causes RLS. The things that causes RLS are pregnancy, medications and chronic disease. The underlying causes of restless leg syndrome are not known but studies suggest that it could be a genetic disease.


Is restless leg dominant or recessive?

is restless leg syndrome dominant or recessive


How many sleep disorders are there?

There are about 19 different types of sleep disorders. Four of the most common types are Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy and Restless Leg Syndrom. You should always consult your doctor if you feel you have a sleeping disorder.


Are there any known drugs to treat restless leg syndrome?

klonopin is used to treat restless leg syndrome


How do you cure restless leg syndrom?

Treatment options for restless leg syndrome include lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Medications such as dopamine agonists, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants can also help manage symptoms. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation.


What is Restless Leg Syndrome's medical name?

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is also known in the medical community as Ekbom Syndrome and Wittmaack-Ekbom Syndrome. Anxietas Tiblarum and Anxietas Tibialis are also medical names for Restless Leg Syndrome.


Why is tums good for restless legs?

There are some people who claim that Tums or even Rolaids help with their restless leg syndrome. The calcium in the Tums is what helps the restless leg syndrome.


What are Acupressure points for Restless legs syndrome?

what are the acupressure points for restless leg syndrome


Why do you get leg cramps while sleeping?

it's probably because your potassium is low try eating some bananas or other things with high potassium, in less you have kidney issues then see a docter.


Can a person with no legs have restless leg syndrome?

NO