Definition |
Causes |
Risk Factors |
Symptoms |
Diagnosis |
Treatment |
Prevention
Definition
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurologic disorder. It is characterized by:
- Unpleasant sensations in the legs
- An irresistible urge to move your legs
Causes
The cause of primary RLS is unknown. In some cases, RLS may be genetic. Or, it may be caused by other conditions or certain drugs. This is called secondary RLS.
Many people with RLS also have periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). This is a related motor disorder characterized by:
- Involuntary, repetitive, jerking movements
- Interrupted sleep because of periodic leg movements
Risk Factors
These factors increase your chance of developing RLS:
- Family members with RLS
- Pregnancy—Some women have RLS during pregnancy. The symptoms usually go away after giving birth.
-
Low iron levels—with or without
anemia
—may happen if you give blood a lot.
- Northern European descent
-
Chronic disease, which can lead to secondary RLS:
- Certain medicines, including tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], lithium, caffeine, dopamine antagonists, and sedating antihistamines
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Feelings of tingling, creeping, pulling, prickling, pins and needles, or pain in the legs during periods of rest or inactivity—may also occur in the arms
- Symptoms typically get worse at night
- A strong urge to relieve uncomfortable sensations with movement
- Restlessness, including floor pacing, tossing and turning in bed, and rubbing the legs
- Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
- Hypersomnia—recurrent episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged nighttime sleep
Symptoms may begin at any age. But, they are most common in people older than 60 years old. Symptoms usually increase in the evening and during times of rest, relaxation, or inactivity. For this reason, people with RLS generally have
insomnia, which may be severe.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical and neurologic exam will be done. The diagnosis is based mainly on your symptoms. There is no specific test for RLS.
-
Tests to check for conditions that may trigger RLS include:
Treatment
There is no cure for RLS. Treatments are aimed at relieving or reducing symptoms.
- Massage your legs.
- Use a heating pad or ice pack.
- Take a hot bath.
- Avoid using tobacco, alcohol, or caffeine.
- Follow a sleep routine.
-
Begin a safe
exercise program
with the advice of your doctor.
- Avoid the use of medicines that may worsen RLS.
Effective treatment of conditions that may trigger RLS can ease or resolve your symptoms:
Dopamine agonists are the only drugs that are FDA approved to treat restless leg syndrome. They are often considered the most effective type of medicine for this condition.
Other medications may be used to help control symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Some medication options include clonidine, anticonvulsants, and opioids. Your doctor will select the medication based on your symptoms and medical history.
Prevention
There are no guidelines for preventing RLS.
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http://www.rls.org/page.aspx?pid=477. Accessed February 19, 2013.
11/26/2012 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamicmedical.com/what.php: Aurora R, Kristo D, Bista S, et al. The Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder in Adults—An Update for 2012: Practice Parameters with an Evidence- Based Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses. Sleep. 2012;35(8):1039-1062.
Last reviewed March 2013 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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