Restless Leg Syndrome
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Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also known as Ekbom's syndrome, is a discomfort, not pain, verbalized as pins and needles, a crawling sensation, or cramping mainly in the calves but sometimes noted in the thighs or arms.(1 <#fn109505>)
The sensation generally occurs only during rest and inactivity and is quickly relieved by walking or moving the legs. Males and females are equally affected, and RLS occurs most commonly in the elderly. Iron deficiency, pregnancy, and renal failure
are associated with RLS. Caffeine, stress, or fatigue may worsen the symptoms.(2 <#fn109506>, 3 <#fn109507>)
RLS can be a very disturbing condition. When a person who has RLS tries to go to sleep, the tingling and cramping causes them to get up and move about to relieve the symptoms. Then when the person attempts to resume sleep, the discomfort returns, causing insomnia. Clinical examination may reveal evidence of underlying systemic disease or mild peripheral neuropathy, but is more often normal.(4 <#fn109508>) Mild or intermittent symptoms usually require no treatment.
Additional Links Back to Top <#top>
* Statistics <HC2.asp?objID=100634&cType=hc> about Restless Leg Syndrome
* Signs and Symptoms <HC2.asp?objID=100634&cType=hc> of Restless Leg
Syndrome
Footnotes Back to Top <#top>
^1 Ambrogetti A, Olson LG, Saunders NA. Disorders of movement and
behavior during sleep. Med J Aust. 1991;155:336-340. View Abstract </SHK/view-abs.asp?fnid=109505&absid=102917>
^2 Jermain DM. Sleep Disorders. In: DiPiro JT, Talbert RL, Yee GC, et al, eds. Pharmacotherapy, A Pathophysiologic Approach, 4th ed. Stamford, CT; 1999:1215.
^3 Krueger BR. Restless legs syndrome and periodic movements of sleep. Mayo Clin Proc. 1990;65:999-1006. View Abstract </SHK/view-abs.asp?fnid=109507&absid=102920>
^4 Aminoff MJ. Parkinson?s Disease and other extrapyramidal disorders. In: Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 1998:2362.
About Restless Leg Syndrome
? Introduction <HC1.asp?objID=100634&cType=hc>
? Statistics <HC2.asp?objID=100634&cType=hc>
? Signs & Symptoms <HC2.asp?objID=100634&cType=hc#sign>
*Treatment Options* <HC3.asp?objID=100634&cType=hc>
Click to View additional treatment options for Restless Leg Syndrome
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