Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder that is characterized by throbbing, pulling, creeping or other unpleasant sensations in the legs. The feeling is uncontrollable, and there is often an overwhelming urge to move the legs. Symptoms appear most commonly at night when a person is relaxing or resting, and they may increase in severity during the night. Moving the legs helps to relieve discomfort, which can range in severity from irritating to painful.
It is estimated that 10% of the population suffers from restless leg syndrome. Childhood restless leg syndrome is estimated to affect almost 1 million school-aged children, with one-third experiencing moderate to severe symptoms.
What Causes It?
In most cases, the cause of restless leg syndrome is unknown, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Some evidence suggests that low levels of iron in the brain may also be responsible for the disorder. In many cases, it seems to be related to the following factors or conditions:- Chronic diseases such as kidney failure and diabetes
- Certain medications that may aggravate symptoms, including anti-nausea drugs, anti-psychotic drugs, antidepressants that increase serotonin, and some cold and allergy medications that contain sedating antihistamines
- Pregnancy, specifically in the last trimester
- Alcohol use
- Sleep deprivation
How Is It Diagnosed?
There is no specific test for restless leg syndrome, but rather criteria that indicate the disorder, including:- Symptoms that are worse at night and are absent or negligible in the morning
- A strong and often overwhelming need or urge to move the affected limbs
- Sensory symptoms that are triggered by rest, relaxation or sleep
- Sensory symptoms that are relieved with movement, and the relief persists as long as the movement continues