Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

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Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

BASICS:

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurologic sensorimotor disorder

that is characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the legs when

they are at rest. The urge to move the legs is usually, but not

always, accompanied by unpleasant sensations. It is less common but

possible to have RLS symptoms in the arms, face, torso, and genital

region. RLS symptoms occur during inactivity and they are

temporarily relieved by movement or pressure. Symptoms of RLS are

most severe in the evening and nighttime hours and can profoundly

disrupt a patient's sleep and daily life.

According to the National Center on Sleep Disorders

Research, " restless legs syndrome is a common, under diagnosed and

treatable condition. " Recent research suggests it affects about 10%

of adults in North America and Europe with rates increasing with

age. Lower prevalence has been found in India, Japan and Singapore,

indicating that racial, ethnic or genetic factors are associated

with RLS. Researchers believe that RLS is commonly unrecognized or

misdiagnosed as insomnia, depression, or other neurological,

muscular, or orthopedic condition. A family history of the disorder

is present in about 50% of patients.

RLS affects both men and women and can start at any age. It may be

confused with growing pains or restlessness when experienced by

children. In addition, the severity of the disorder appears to

increase with age. Older patients experience symptoms more

frequently and for longer periods of time.

The exact cause of RLS is unknown but it has a primary form, not

related to other disorders, and a secondary form related to an

underlying condition such as kidney failure, pregnancy, or iron

deficiency anemia. It may also be caused or made worse by certain

medications. This is considered secondary RLS. When no other cause

is found for RLS symptoms, it is considered a primary disorder.

Primary RLS accounts for 40-60% of RLS diagnoses.

Recently, several research teams have taken a closer look at what

might cause primary RLS. In particular, recent studies at s

Hopkins and Pennsylvania State Colleges have found evidence for

brain iron deficiency as a cause for primary RLS. This was first

demonstrated in cerebrospinal fluid studies and more recently by the

first-ever autopsy analysis of the brains of people with RLS. The

autopsy studies reported that cells from the portion of the brain

called the substantia nigra showed a deficit in one of the proteins

that regulates iron status. However, this evidence suggests that the

iron insufficiency in the brain of RLS patients comes directly from

a failure of normal iron regulation. In terms of finding a cure,

this is good news. The results of this study show that there is no

brain damage in people with RLS and that drugs that target the

problem of iron uptake may be one way to approach future

developments of a treatment.

More than 80 percent of people with RLS also suffer from a condition

know as periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). Characteristics of

PLMD include involuntary leg twitching or jerking movements during

sleep that occur repeatedly throughout the night and result in

disrupted sleep.

In addition to poor quality and short sleep at night, research has

shown that people with RLS generally experience a reduced quality of

life in the absence of treatment. There is also evidence of a

connection between RLS and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeptionary/index.php?id=23