Symptoms include the following 5 features in RLS:
Unpleasant or uncomfortable urge to move the legs (and occasionally the arms). Symptoms are unpleasant, but not necessarily painful. Common descriptions include crawling, tingling, creeping, pulling, tension, and the “need to move."
It starts during rest or when trying to sit still, such as car rides or plane flights.
Only occurs or is worse in the evening
Relieved by stretching or walking, at least as long as the activity continues.
The occurrence of the above features is not due to medical or a behavioral condition (such as arthritis, cramps, leg edema, positional discomfort, or habitual foot tapping)
Mild to moderate symptoms tend to fluctuate in severity, can disappear for periods of time, then recur. It can vary from a minor annoyance, to more severe cases that can affect quality of life. Some consequences of RLS include sleep-onset insomnia, nocturnal awakenings, depression, and anxiety. Sleep deprivation and daytime fatigue are the most common reasons RLS patients seek treatment.
In majority of the cases, the cause of RLS unknown. About 10% of the population affected, but those of Northern European descent have the highest prevalence.
More common in women than men, but part of that is due increased rates in pregnancy.
Can start at any age, but it tends to worsen as the years pass.
Maybe genetic, because it is often found in families, especially where the conditions starts before age 50. However, no specific gene mutations have been identified to date.
Certain medications may aggravate symptoms, such as diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl) and certain antidepressants.
RLS also appears to be related to:
Pregnancy
Anemia
Kidney failure
Neuropathy
Spinal cord issues
Multiple sclerosis
And possibly essential tremor, diabetes, & Parkinson’s disease as well.
RLS can be difficult to diagnose if the symptoms are intermittent or mild.
During a physical exam, physicians will ask about an individual’s description of symptoms and specifics such as when they occur (evening), how they are triggered (relaxation), and how they are relieved (movement).
A sleep study, performed at a Virginia Heart Sleep Center, can be an essential diagnostic tool. A polysomnogram is a nighttime study that monitors sleep stages and cycles to identify when sleep patterns may be disrupted. The study records a variety of bodily functions during sleep such as the electrical activity of the brain, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing, as well as eye and leg movements.
Once correctly diagnosed, RLS can often be treated successfully.
Several medications, most of which were developed to treat other diseases, can reduce the symptoms of RLS. One example is dopaminergic agents, which affect the level of the chemical messenger dopamine in the brain and are used to treat neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease.
Besides medications, some patients have found relief with Relaxis Pad, a medical device that uses vibration to compete with and diminish the unpleasant sensations of RLS, and cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on developing habits that promote a healthy pattern of sleep.
Lifestyle changes may also help. Patients should avoid sitting in one position for too long and should move often throughout the day. Certain foods and drinks can trigger RLS or make symptoms worse; patients may be asked to abstain from caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol for a few weeks to see if symptoms improve.
