Is There Surgery for Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome is a neurological condition that causes sufferers to experience unusual sensations in the extremities, most often the legs. Many sufferers who deal with the most extreme symptoms wonder if there is a surgical option.

Non-Medical RLS Treatments

• The first line of treatment for RLS sufferers may involve certain lifestyle changes: reducing intake of caffeine and other stimulants, discontinuing medications known to exacerbate the condition and increasing physical activity. Often, sleep hygiene is explored, with the RLS patient encouraged to adhere to a regular bedtime.

Vitamin and Nutritional Deficiencies

• There is an increased incidence of RLS in individuals with low iron stores, whether or not they are anemic. Doctors will prescribe an iron supplement. Calcium and magnesium are also thought to possibly play a role.

Pharmaceutical RLS Treatment

• The most commonly prescribed medications for RLS today belong to a class of drugs known as dopamine agonists. Originally formulated to combat the effects of Parkinson's disease, drugs such as ropinirole (Requip) and pramipexole (Mirapex) function through the dopamine production system of the body. Other treatments include opiates, benzodiazepines and anti-convulsants.

RLS and Surgery

• There is no surgical treatment option for restless leg syndrome at this time. In fact, surgery of any kind seems to often trigger the syndrome or exacerbate existing symptoms.

Conclusion

• If you are suffering from restless leg syndrome, see your doctor. She will refer you to a specialist, usually a neurologist, who can help determine what you can do to minimize the effects of RLS.