Restless Legs Syndrome: Overview

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

16 Jul 2007 12:23 PM

As many as twelve million Americans may suffer from restless legs syndrome (RLS). This neurological disorder causes unpleasant creeping, crawling, burning, pulling, or itching sensations that make it difficult to relax or rest. These sensations can make it almost impossible to stay still.

Restless legs syndrome can be difficult to diagnose; some experts believe that RLS is underdiagnosed and may affect more than twelve million people in the United States. Why? Because some people with mild symptoms may not seek medical assistance. Some doctors misdiagnose the problem as nervousness, stress, insomnia, muscle cramps, or arthritis.

Common symptoms of RLS include:

• Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, especially when sitting or laying down.
• An irresistible urge to move when these sensations are present.
• Sensations are most often felt between the knee and the ankle, but may be present in the feet, thighs, arms, and hands.
• Sensations are most often felt on both sides of the body, but may be felt on only one side at a time.
• Moving the legs relives the discomfort.
• Symptoms are pronounced during the evening, at night, and during the onset of sleep.
• Symptoms may fade by morning.
• Symptoms are less noticeable during the day.
• Periods of inactivity -- flights, long drives, watching movies -- can trigger symptoms.

More than eighty percent of people with RLS also experience periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) -- involuntary twitching or jerking of the limbs during sleep. These involuntary movements can occur very frequently, leading to disrupted sleep. People who only have PLMD do not develop restless legs syndrome, but many people with RLS also develop periodic limb movement disorder.

Restless legs syndrome is seen in both men and women, though slightly more often in women. The problem can begin at any age, but most patients are middle-aged or older. The severity of the disorder seems to increase with age; older patients seem to have symptoms more often and for longer periods of time.

RLS can vary in severity from mildly uncomfortable to severe and painful. The sensations in the legs can make it difficult to fall asleep and even harder to stay asleep. People with restless legs syndrome may find that they are exhausted during the day and have trouble with work, relationships, and daily activities. Untreated RLS can lead to difficulty concentrating and memory problems -- if you aren't getting enough rest, your brain function will be diminished.

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