What Are the Forms of Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by unusual sensations in the legs and sometimes in other parts of the body. While the cause of RLS is not known, some cases are the result of other conditions.

Secondary RLS

• When RLS is caused by any underlying medical issue or by a drug, it is known as secondary RLS.

  Kidney failure, varicose veins, thyroid disease, and Parkinson's can cause secondary RLS, as well as some autoimmune disorders.Many pregnant women develop RLS temporarily.

  Some drugs can cause RLS or exacerbate symptoms that are already present. These include certain antidepressants, antihistamines, and antiemetics.

  Deficiencies in magnesium or folate can also contribute. A very large percentage of those with RLS are deficient in iron. Iron supplements are often a first course of treatment and can sometimes alleviate the problem entirely. Iron can be helpful to individuals with primary RLS, as well.

Primary RLS

• RLS is considered primary, or idiopathic, when there is no underlying medical cause. Many primary RLS sufferers have a family history of the syndrome, indicating a strong genetic component. Primary RLS typically worsens slowly over time.

The RLS Spectrum

• RLS is a "spectrum" condition, manifesting itself along a wide range, with mild to severe symptoms. Those with mild symptoms may experience slight discomfort occasionally, while those who face more severe RLS can experience significant lifestyle disruptions on a daily basis.

  Many people have felt the restless sensation some call "jimmy legs" from time to time. For this reason, it can be hard for severe RLS sufferers to be taken seriously. Some believe that, while it can be awkward and annoying, RLS is not a "real" medical problem. An individual suffering with severe RLS, however, may feel tortured by the unstoppable sensations he feels. He may find himself unable to sleep, or even to sit at work or at a social event, without getting up to pace. This difficulty, occurring day after day, can make the sufferer feel hopeless.

  Some physicians estimate that the percentage of sufferers is much greater than is reported, because people are reluctant to seek medical help for a problem many deem trivial. Others, though, believe that the drug makers have greatly exaggerated the prevalence of RLS in order to sell their products.

Related Conditions

• Most people suffering from RLS also experience PLMD, or periodic limb movement disorder. In this condition, the sufferer's muscles twitch involuntarily every 10 seconds to one minute, typically during non-REM sleep. While it's common for RLS sufferers to have PLMD, many people have PLMD without RLS.

RLS Treatment

• For secondary RLS, it's important to treat the underlying cause. If it's possible to correct or fully manage the originating condition, RLS symptoms may cease entirely. For both secondary and primary types, iron supplements are often recommended.

  The most frequently prescribed class of drugs for RLS are dopamine agonists. These were first approved for treatment of Parkinson's disease, but have since been approved for treatment of RLS. The most common of these are ropinerole (Requip) and pramipexole (Mirapex).

  Other drugs that are sometimes used for RLS treatment are benzodiazepines, opioids, and anticonvulsants. These are prescribed to combat specific symptoms within the spectrum of RLS sufferers.

  Certain lifestyle changes are also recommended. Eliminating or reducing caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can have a significant effect, as can committing to a program of exercise.