Dopamine agonists may be recommended if you're experiencing frequent symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements of sleep/wakefulness (published November 2017). Contact us today to speak to one of our patient advisors who will advise you on the best route. Both legs are usually affected but it is possible to experience the sensations in only one leg. Other possible side effects can include nausea, dizziness and headaches. Relief with movement. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) can be tricky to diagnose, largely because symptoms tend to be worse at night and less obvious in the doctor's office. For mild or infrequent symptoms, dopaminergic medicines that are more commonly used to treat Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders may be prescribed. If augmentation occurs, you and your doctor can work together to find a new treatment strategy that will work for you. Signs and symptoms of restless legs syndrome vary from person to person. Do not fight the urge to move as this can sometimes make it worse. If your workplace doesn’t enable you to take regular breaks to walk around, speak to your HR department. Dementech Neurosciences welcomes you to a private boutique neurology & psychology practice in the heart of London’s Medical District. RLS can result in insomnia, usually due to trouble falling and staying asleep. In some cases, restless legs syndrome is caused by an underlying health condition, such as iron deficiency anaemia or kidney failure. For example, iron deficiency anaemia can be treated by taking iron supplements. For example, this could be an addiciton to alcohol, drugs, gambling, shopping, or sex (hypersexuality). Restless legs syndrome caused by an underlying health condition can often be cured by treating that condition. The symptoms of RLS need to be distinguished from arthritis pain, muscle cramps and the numbness associated with a peripheral neuropathy (a problem with the nerves). They will also check if there are any factors (including any medicines you are taking) that could possibly be causing your symptoms or making them worse. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our, Restless Legs Syndrome: Signs, Symptoms and Relief. Ongoing sleep deprivation can affect your mood and increase your risk of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. These patients tend to develop symptoms earlier in life (before age 45) than those with RLS without the genetic link. The exact cause of RLS is not known, but it seems to be associated with the levels of iron and dopamine (a chemical messenger involved in body movements) in the body. After about two weeks of recording in your symptom diary, you may find that some of your habits, such as drinking caffeinated beverages or exercising close to bedtime, may worsen your symptoms. Some individuals who have RLS may experience a worsening of symptoms as a side effect of a class of RLS medications called dopamine agonists. Common symptoms include: Some people may experience pain, but often the symptoms are unpleasant, uncomfortable and disturbing. More than 80% of people with restless legs syndrome also have periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS). It’s also important to have a comfortable, dark space for sleeping. This is known as Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD). The relief can be complete or only partial but generally starts very soon after starting an activity. There are four main criteria your GP or specialist will look for to confirm a diagnosis. People with RLS and an underlying condition that may be causing or contributing to their symptoms are said to have secondary RLS. These people often have a family history of the condition. Folate deficiency has also been linked to RLS, which may explain why restless legs are so common in pregnant women (folate plays a key role in healthy foetal development). The sensation typically begins after you've been lying down or sitting for an extended time, such as in a car, airplane or movie theater. Side effects of these medications include dizziness, tiredness and headaches. The basal ganglia uses a chemical (neurotransmitter) called dopamine to help control muscle activity and movement. We’d love to hear from you. The sensation of RLS/WED lessens with movement, such as stretching, jiggling your legs, pacing or walking. It involves holding different parts of the body in positions found to reduce feelings of pain and discomfort. All products and services featured are selected by our editors. Some people with RLS, however, can have severe daytime symptoms too. Some neurologists (specialists in treating conditions that affect the nervous system) believe the symptoms of restless legs syndrome may have something to do with how the body handles a chemical called dopamine. You may find you still feel sleepy or "hungover" the morning after taking your medication. Working at an office can involve sitting for long periods of time. This known as idiopathic or primary restless legs syndrome, and it can run in families. You have a strong urge to move your legs (sometimes arms and trunk), usually accompanied or caused by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs. Here's What to Do, 9 Signs It's More Serious Than the Common Cold, How Your Period Changes During Your 20s, 30s, and 40s, 12 Anxiety Symptoms That Might Point to a Disorder, Shannen Doherty Reveals Stage 4 Breast Cancer Diagnosis—Here's What It Means, The Best (and Worst) Diets of 2020, According to Experts, 10 Moves for a Cardio Workout at Home—No Equipment Required, These 13 Women Prove Every Body Is a Bikini Body, 20 Things You Should Throw Away for Better Health. Compression stockings help improve blood flow in the legs and reduce swelling. The sensations in their legs are often difficult to define but may be described as aching throbbing, pulling, itching, crawling, or creeping. The test involves lying on a bed for a set period of time without moving your legs while any involuntary leg movements are monitored. It is also important for our immune systems, brain function and muscle strength. Research has identified specific genes related to restless legs syndrome, and it can run in families. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist (such as a sleep specialist or neurologist) for further assessment and treatment for RLS. Symptoms include weakness or paralysis of the muscles. Restless legs syndrome typically causes an overwhelming urge to move your legs and an uncomfortable sensation in your legs. Here's why a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis can be so frightening. Required fields are marked *. Restless legs syndrome is also sometimes referred to as Willis-Ekbom disease. Dopaminergic medicines may cause side effects such as stomach upset, dry mouth or nausea. Your symptoms are worse in the evening or night than during the day, or only occur in the evening or nighttime hours. The symptoms of restless legs syndrome will usually disappear if it's possible to address an underlying cause. Data suggests that pregnant women may have two or three times higher risk of RLS. Some aspects of sleep hygiene include establishing a regular bedtime and doing a relaxing and quiet activity before bed, such as a crossword or reading a book. When folic acid is low, B12 is often low as well, so you may want to try supplementing with a B-complex vitamin. It can also cause an unpleasant crawling or creeping sensation in the feet, calves and thighs. More hope for a cure. These are: Your GP or specialist will ask you about the pattern of your symptoms to help assess their severity. If you have PLMS, your leg will jerk or twitch uncontrollably, usually at night while you're asleep. https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/65 (accessed Sep 2019). For example, they may ask you: Keeping a sleep diary may help your doctor assess your symptoms. You may find that the symptoms improve when you move your legs. There's evidence to suggest restless legs syndrome is related to a problem with part of the brain called the basal ganglia. Joining a support group can be helpful if you have restless legs syndrome. This is a test that measures your breathing rate, brain waves and heartbeat throughout the course of a night. Restless legs syndrome is also associated with involuntary jerking of the legs and arms, known as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS). You may experience repetitive cramping or jerking or the legs during sleep. 4. Sharing tips on managing symptoms as well as providing understanding and support to each other can make a real difference to how you cope with the condition.
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