Table of Contents
Neurologic Abnormalities in the Spine. Other research suggests that restless legs syndrome may be due to nerve impairment in the spinal cord. Researchers thought that such abnormalities were likely to start in nerve pathways in the lower spine. However, some patients with RLS have symptoms in the arms, indicating that the upper spine may also be involved.
Neuropathy. Some experts suggest that RLS, particularly if it occurs in older adults, may be a form of neuropathy, which is an abnormality in the nervous system outside the spine and brain. So far, there is no evidence of a cause and effect relationship between neuropathy and RLS.
Abnormalities of Iron Metabolism
Iron deficiency, even at a level too mild to cause anemia, has been linked to RLS in some people. Studies suggest, in fact, that RLS in some people may be due to a problem with getting iron into cells that regulate dopamine in the brain. Some studies have reported RLS in 25 - 30% of people with low iron levels.
Deficiencies in Cortisol
Some research suggests that low cortisol levels in the evening and early night hours may be related to restless leg symptoms. Some patients experienced improvement in symptoms with low-dose hydrocortisone injections.
Causes of Periodic Limb Movement DisorderThe cause or causes of PLMD are not clear. Some research suggests that it may be due to abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the involuntary actions of the smooth muscles, heart, and glands.
Previous Section
Review Date: 10/15/2010
Reviewed By: Reviewed by: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor
of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts
General Hospital. 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)
