People with restless legs syndrome have uncomfortable sensations in their legs (and sometimes arms or other parts of the body) and an irresistible urge to move their legs to relieve the sensations. Some people experience “itchiness”, “pins and needles,” or “creepy crawly” feeling in the legs. The sensations are usually worse at rest, especially when lying or sitting.
The severity of RLS symptoms ranges from mild to quite severe. Symptoms often can come and go. The symptoms are generally worse in the evening and at night and less severe in the morning. For some people, symptoms may cause severe nightly sleep disruption that can significantly impair a person’s quality of life.
Restless legs syndrome may affect up to 10% of the U.S. population and is more common in women. It often affects patients middle-aged and older but can even affect children. RLS is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed. This is especially true if the symptoms are intermittent or mild. Once correctly diagnosed, RLS can often be treated successfully. There is an inherited component in this condition as nearly half of people have a family member with the condition.
Other factors associated with the development or worsening of restless legs syndrome include:
• Chronic diseases. Certain chronic diseases and medical conditions, including iron deficiency, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage in the legs) are associated with RLS. Proper diagnosis and treatment of these conditions often gives some relief from RLS symptoms.
• Medications. Some types of medications, including antinausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, some antidepressants, and cold and allergy medications containing sedating antihistamines may worsen symptoms.
• Pregnancy. Some women experience RLS during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. Symptoms usually go away within a month after delivery.
• Alcohol use/sleep deprivation
Treatment of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Treatment for RLS is targeted at easing symptoms. In people with mild to moderate restless legs syndrome, lifestyle changes, such as beginning a regular exercise program, establishing regular sleep patterns, and eliminating or decreasing the use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, may be helpful. Treatment of an RLS-associated condition also may provide relief of symptoms.
Medications are very helpful in treating RLS symptoms. Drugs used to treat RLS include:
• Dopaminergic drugs, which act on the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Pramipexole, rotigotine patch, and ropinirole are FDA approved for treatment of moderate to severe RLS. Others, such as levodopa, may also be prescribed.
• Anticonvulsants, or antiseizure drugs, such as carbamazepine, pregabalin, and gabapentin.
If you would like to learn how to care for this disease or any other neurological condition, please call me at 609-463-8009 or 609-653-9595. My office is conveniently located at 4 Village Drive in Cape May Court House and 160 Shore Road in Somers Point. Please visit my website at www.stzorfas.com
-Submitted by Dr. Scott Tzorfas
Wildwood – So Liberals here on spout off, here's a REAL question for you.
Do you think it's appropriate for BLM to call for "Burning down the city" and "Black Vigilantes" because…
