Wednesday, February, 15, 2012

Restless leg syndrome

Table of Contents

Definition

Restless leg syndrome is a disorder in which there is an urge or need to move the legs to stop unpleasant sensations.


Alternative Names

Nocturnal myoclonus; RLS; Akathisia


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults. Stress makes it worse. The cause is not known in most patients.

RLS may occur more often in patients with:

  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Pregnancy
  • Iron deficiency
  • Use of certain medications

A form of RLS may be passed down in families. This may be a factor when symptoms start at a younger age. The abnormal gene has not yet been identified.

Restless leg syndrome can result in a decreased quality of sleep (insomnia). This lack of sleep can lead to daytime sleepiness, anxiety or depression, and confusion or slowed thought processes.


Review Date: 08/28/2009
Reviewed By: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)