Restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which you have an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually due to leg discomfort. It typically happens in the evenings or nights while you're sitting or lying down. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily.

It is a neurological condition associated with abnormal sensation in the legs. Population affected is estimated at 5% with as many as 10% affected age 65 and older.

Disease name
Restless legs syndrome is now known as restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED). The Willis-Ekbom name recognizes the first known description of the disease by Sir Thomas Willis in 1672 and first detailed clinical description by Dr. Karl Axel Ekbom in 1945.

Primary features
Johns Hopkins Medicine, Neurology and Neurosurgery, explains there are four primary features of RLS:


 * Uncomfortable sensation in the legs with a clear need or urge to move the legs
 * The symptoms are worse at night
 * The symptoms come on with rest
 * The symptoms are relieved with movement

Primary and Secondary types
Primary RLS/WED appear without any reason often in young people. It can be mild but worsen with age. After age 50 symptoms can become much more severe disrupting sleep. It appears to run in families so this type genetic.

Secondary RLS/WED is caused by other conditions such as:


 * Being low in iron (being anemic). If the levels of iron or the anemia itself can be corrected, there is often a reduction in symptoms.
 * Pregnancy. Fortunately RLS is usually a temporary symptom when linked to pregnancy (usually in the third trimester) and will disappear after the baby has been delivered.
 * Kidney problems or kidney disease.
 * Parkinson’s disease.
 * Diabetes.
 * Thyroid problems such as an over active or under active thyroid.
 * Spinal cord tumors, peripheral nerve lesions or even spinal cord injuries.
 * Sleep apnea.
 * Varicose veins or problems with the nerves in either the hands or the feet.
 * Alcoholism.
 * Certain medications or drugs may increase or trigger RLS symptoms. These include tricyclic antidepressants, anti-nausea and anti-seizure drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or lithium. Changing your medication may be all that is necessary to stop the RLS symptoms.
 * The use of some cold and allergy drugs can also cause RLS.
 * The withdrawal of sedatives can trigger RLS.

Treatment
"Pharmacotherapy for restless legs syndrome and peri-odic limb movements in sleep may include benzodiazepines, dopaminergic agents, or opioids. For mild cases of restless legs syndrome, patients may relieve symptoms by massaging the legs, exercising, and eliminating alcohol and caffeine intake."