Restless Leg Syndrome may indicate other problems

Do you go to bed at night and experience the sensation that you need to constantly be moving your legs? You could be suffering from Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological movement disorder. The individual experiences the urge to move their legs, most notable at night, approximately 15-30 minutes after retiring to bed. They experience a crawling, itching, creeping sensation of the lower extremities, usually below the knees and usually bilaterally. The sensations tend to decrease with activity.

What causes RLS?

Some studies indicate there is a problem with the brain in regards to the metabolism of dopamine.

There appears to be a dysfunction of the Hypothalamic dopaminergic cells called Hypocretins. These are a source of spinal cord dopamine. Hypocretins are hypothalamic transmitters that control the sleep-wake cycle, and arousal.

Individuals with RLS have been found to have an increase in Hypocretins in the Cerebral spinal fluid. This would explain why individuals with RLS tend to be in a constant state of movement with their legs. Individuals with Narcolepsy — the sleeping disorder — have been found to have low levels of Hypocretins.

There is evidence to show that there is a problem with metabolism of Iron in the brain of some individuals with RLS. These people appear to have Ferritin Levels below 50 ng/ml.

RLS can be secondary due to pregnancy, Diabetes, venous insufficiency, and Uremia/kidney failure.

Pregnancy reported symptoms may be due to Iron Deficiency, folate deficiency, and/or hormone changes.

Individuals in Dialysis have shown a 6-60 percent reported diagnosis of RLS.

Patients with Venous insufficiency complain of symptoms as well. Studies show that the individuals that receive sclerotherapy experience 98 percent initial relief from RLS and 72 percent continue to be symptom free 2 years. After sclerotherapy.

Certain medication may exacerbate RLS. These include antihistamines, SSRI's (medication for treatment of mood disorders), certain meds used for vomiting cessation, Lithium, and Tricyclic antidepressants.

Obesity, excess caffeine intake, hypothyroidism, and hypoglycemia have been noted to be a contributing factor as well.

There may be an association with MS as well as Parkinson's Syndrome.

RLS affects children and adults. Most individuals first experience the symptoms of RLS between the ages of 11-20. However, these symptoms are often “written of” as growing pains or other issues. It is not until the 40's that a person is often diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome.

How is RLS diagnosed?

1. Reported signs and symptoms including the urge to move legs-occurring mostly at night. There is a creeping, crawling, itching sensation in the lower extremities. The symptoms are worse with rest and inactivity and improve with stretching.