Restless Leg Syndrome

Overview

Restless leg syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a nervous system disorder that results in the development of uncomfortable sensations in the legs. This leads to a strong urge to move the legs when resting. The primary symptoms of restless leg syndrome include itching, pulling, crawling, and throbbing. Symptoms are visible at night and can make it difficult for the affected individuals to stay asleep.

The causes of restless leg syndrome are not widely known. However, it is believed that there is something related to the dopamine levels in the brain. There is no specific treatment for restless leg syndrome. Nonetheless, there are some therapies and medications available to treat this disorder.

What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs while resting. This continuous urge can create hindrances during sleeping hours. Primary symptoms of RLS include an uncomfortable sensation in the legs, such as aching and throbbing. Restless leg syndrome is an underdiagnosed medical condition. The syndromes are mostly related to sleep disturbances and anxiety. However, this disease is often confused with anxiety disorder.

Types of Restless Leg Syndrome

There are two types of restless leg syndrome which are early onset and late onset. These two types are often distinguished as primary and secondary restless leg syndrome. Early onset hits the individual before the age of 45. It happens because of a genetic disorder and the condition worsens gradually. A recessive pattern is noticed when RLS hits before one can turn 45 years old. In the case of late-onset, developing after age 45, the situation becomes vulnerable and restless leg syndrome advances more quickly.

Restless Leg Syndrome Symptoms

The individuals affected by RLS have an uncontrollable urge to move their lower limbs. When they are asleep, the symptoms get worse leading to leg jerks during sleeping hours. Such disturbances in sleeping hours cause extreme fatigue during the daytime. Due to extreme sleep disruptions, one may experience depression and anxiety attacks frequently.

Behavioural changes and mood swings are other concerning factors that happen because of RLS syndrome. One can feel absent-minded and can face difficulty in paying attention. RLS symptoms may differ from person to person. It can occur once or twice a week leading to significant disturbances during sleep hours.

One can feel exhaustion during this time, changes in mood, problems in paying attention, and difficulty in recalling things. Symptoms of RLS can disappear on its own but sometimes, it reappears with more severe consequences.

Restless Leg Syndrome Causes

The cause of restless leg movement is primarily because of changes in basal ganglia. This uses dopamine which regulates how body parts function. If basal ganglia do not receive enough blood, it may cause such movement disorder. Research suggests a few key factors that contribute to RLS development include iron deficiency, any underlying medical conditions, and medications.

One can inherit RLS from their parents during conception. The inheritance pattern of this condition is autosomal dominant. When iron is low in someone's brain but the blood level is normal, such a neurological disorder can occur. In addition to these, there may be certain conditions that contribute to the secondary RLS formation. Even, medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and antinausea medications can cause RLS.

Restless Leg Syndrome Diagnosis and Tests

To diagnose RLS, healthcare providers may ask for an individual's medical history and their family's medical history. It is normal during the physical exam dedicated to the detection of RLS. There is no specific test designed to specify RLS. Hence, healthcare providers may prescribe neurological exams and blood tests to confirm the cause of symptoms.

A provider can even arrange for an overnight sleep study to determine whether one is afflicted with RLS or not. However, this is a nervous system disorder and does not require prolonged sleep study. Instead, to confirm the symptoms of RLS, a provider may examine their leg movement or the presence of any uncomfortable sensations like leg jerks.

Symptoms begin during sleep hours and it can be worsened when someone takes rest, especially in their inactive hours. So, to diagnose the symptoms of RLS, providers primarily focus on the time of relaxation. A specialist can ask several questions about the pattern of symptoms. To understand such patterns, polysomnography is often suggested to check the breathing rate, brain waves, and heartbeat.

Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment and Medications

Treatment of restless leg syndrome involves medications and certain alterations in routine to get rid of the symptoms. One needs to consult with their physicians to check the pattern of symptoms closely and manage it. Healthcare providers check the underlying health conditions and family history and discuss treatment options accordingly.

Restless Leg Syndrome Medications

There are certain medications that help relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Healthcare providers may prescribe these medications such as iron supplements combined with vitamin C, antiseizure medications such as gabapentin and pregabalin, dopamine agonists like pramipexole and ropinirole, and levodopa.

Levodopa is a dopamine precursor. There are other medications that providers may prescribe like benzodiazepines, zolpidem, or opioids like methadone and buprenorphine. These medications help in severe cases of restless leg syndromes to manage the symptoms. The side effects of such medications can lead to serious consequences.

If the diagnostic tests detect that iron deficiency is the primary reason for such a neurological disorder, one can start consuming iron supplements. In the case of a low amount of iron found in brain cells, the symptoms can be excruciating.

Restless Leg Syndrome Home Therapies

In the case of mild restless leg syndrome therapies, healthcare providers may suggest therapies to try at home. Some of the therapies include trying regular exercises such as aerobics, riding stationary bikes or cycling. People impacted by such syndrome should avoid heavy exercise just before bedtime.

For the affected people, it is better to adopt a proper sleep habit. It means that reading books and screen checking at the time of bed need to be avoided. Sometimes, soaking feet in a warm tub is very beneficial or using a heating pad or cold compress can help.

Stress is a huge factor in the case of developing such syndromes. Hence, keeping a check on stress levels or at least consulting with a specialist can help manage the symptoms. Individuals can follow a healthy routine to manage their overall anxiety level. For example, they can avoid caffeine or tea before bedtime.

Preventive Measures

There is no definite way of preventing such nervous system disorders. However, following proper sleep hygiene and maintaining a healthy lifestyle would help one manage the symptoms. Restless leg syndrome does not affect one’s life expectancy but can impact one’s overall wellness. So, it would be prudent to avoid consuming stimulants such as caffeine or alcohol.

Myths and Facts of Restless Leg Syndrome

Following are the myths associated with restless leg syndrome and the facts to overrule the mythical assumptions:

Myth 1: Restless Leg Syndrome Can Only Occur at Night
Fact: RLS symptoms can occur at any time. However, it impacts one badly in the evening or at night.

Myth 2: RLS is not a Serious Concern
Fact: Restless leg syndrome is a serious concern because it is a nervous system disorder. It causes an uncontrollable desire to move one's legs at the time of resting. For such an irresistible urge, one cannot sleep well, leading to severe complications.

Myth 3: RLS is Only Caused by Hereditary Genetic Disorder
Fact: Genetic disorder is one of the many contributors. But there are other factors as well to develop such syndrome. A low level of iron is responsible for causing such a syndrome and also a dysfunction in a specific area of the brain could be the reason.