Restless leg syndrome creates an overwhelming urge to move the body to seek relief from uncomfortable sensations usually while resting, sitting or sleeping. The sensations commonly experiences are ones like creeping, tingling, pulling or pain felt deep in the limbs. Usually, it is felt in the legs, ankles or the entire part of the lower limbs. This condition tends to affect the patient’s sleep, ultimately resulting in insomnia. In some cases, the symptoms may start in the evening or after a short remission post waking up in the morning. Restlessness could also affect the other parts of the body as it is a progressive disease. To relieve discomfort, movements such as stretching, bending the legs or walking provide temporary relief.
RLS as a disorder was defined very recently although there have been records of its prevalence for some time. The condition was first diagnosed in the 20th century and since then has been classified as an independent neurological disorder. It was neurologist Karl Ekbom who discovered the syndrome and presented a clear and definitive picture of the disease. It was only after this, that sleep laboratories did extensive research and discovered the pathogenetic mechanism which causes the disease and devised specific treatment for the condition. Though major advances have been made in research of RLS, there is a long way to go in fully understanding the condition.
Causes
About 10% of the people in the country are affected by RLS. Men, women, and children of any age can be affected by this syndrome but it is more commonly seen in women. Middle-aged people or those older are most severely affected and most frequently. The causes of RLS are yet to be isolated but studies so far show that genes play an important role. It shows that most people with RLS have at least one family member who suffers from this condition.
Some factors other than the genetic condition which is associated with development and worsening of RLS are:
- Medication: Medication like anti-nausea and antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, and antihistamines which are commonly taken for cold and allergy increase the symptoms of RLS.
- Pregnancy: It has been known that some pregnant women experience RLS temporarily, in the last tri-semester. The symptoms go away usually within a month after childbirth.
- Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and other medical condition like diabetes, kidney failure, peripheral neuropathy, and iron deficiency also show symptoms of RLS. Relief from RLS symptoms is usually felt while treating the underlying conditions.
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive intake of alcohol and lack of sleep trigger symptoms of RLS and also makes the condition worse.
- Spinal cord conditions: RLS has been linked with lesions on the spinal cord. It is caused while having had anesthesia such as a spinal block to the spinal cord.
The symptoms of RLS are usually bothersome and can be incapacitating too. Severe RLS can impair quality of life and result in depression.
