There are many disorders with unusual manifestations. Restless legs syndrome is one of them, and it can be a controversial diagnosis. However, there is scientific literature on the topic, and some people have a legitimate problem because they cannot stop moving their legs. It is especially pernicious at night, making it difficult to relax and sleep. Nor is it the rarest of conditions, as the number of diagnosed cases across the United States is in the millions. Read more about RLS, also known as restless leg syndrome. Read about what causes them and how to treat them.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) has a unique presentation. Certain feelings in the lower extremities that worsen when lying down or at rest are characteristic of this condition. This feeling of discomfort causes patients to move their legs excessively. Two German doctors were the first to describe this strange syndrome, which is why the name RLS is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease.
The syndrome may start in childhood but is often diagnosed long after the onset. This is because most people are unaware that it exists. Furthermore, there are treatments available for restless leg syndrome that can improve the quality of life for such patients. RLS is a very debilitating chronic disorder, and symptoms often worsen with age if left untreated. One of the major effects of this disorder is sleep disruption, which can also lead to insomnia. This is linked to health risks because we are more prone to diseases when we do not get enough sleep. That's why knowing how to identify the symptoms allows you to diagnose and get help for restless leg syndrome quickly.
People still do not fully know the exact condition that causes RLS, and investigators are still studying what may have caused it. As with other neuropsychiatric disorders, genetic predisposition is the most likely cause of this syndrome. In addition, researchers observed that if anyone in the family had RLS, there may be a higher risk of getting this disease. This may also point to the relevance of genes. Alternatively, restless legs syndrome may be a secondary disorder.
Also, note that RLS is different from the common cramps that happen during the night. Conversely, night cramps result from fatigue or a lack of electrolytes. So, what causes RLS? Read on to find out.
RLS may result from damage to the peripheral nerves due to arthritis or other conditions such as polyneuropathy. Nerves that have been severed or impaired will markedly impact sensation in an area of the body. They can lead to an absence of feeling. However, they can also lead to excessive sensitivity and an unpleasant sensation in a person's legs. This is because of a disturption of signal transmission.
There may also be a link between dopamine and the underlying cause of RLS. It is an important neurotransmitter that regulates not only sleep, but also movement. Thus, irregularities in the development of this neurotransmitter can lead to issues in this region, including trouble steering leg motions and difficulty going to sleep.
High levels of estrogen typically characterize pregnancy. Pregnancies with higher amounts of this hormone can influence the nervous system and the operation of dopamine. This is why pregnancy can make one more prone to restless legs syndrome.
Another major contributing factor can be kidney failure. It affects the body's electrolyte balance and metabolic processes. Neurotoxins build up due to kidney dysfunction, and nutrient shortages impact the nerves and nervous system pathways, which is the cause of restless legs syndrome during renal failure.
Alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine may aggravate the syndrome. These are products that affect the nervous system and can disrupt sleep. Thus, patients with hyperkinesia because of RLS have to avoid these substances.
Certain drugs are the cause. For example, those that impact dopamine and hormones, as well as some antidepressants and antipsychotics, can trigger or worsen restless legs syndrome. This is a side effect of their action on the nervous system.
If some nutrients are not present in the diet in sufficient quantities, they can be determining factors for RLS. These are primarily magnesium, vitamin D, or vitamin B12, and their deficiency contributes to impaired nerve and muscle activity. In particular, iron deficiency frequently occurs.
Stress and emotional burden are also crucial. Why? They are also linked to the working of the nervous system. Therefore, they can aggravate restless legs syndrome by interrupting the processes of relaxation and sleep.
It is sometimes difficult for patients to explain their RLS symptoms. Their specific types of sensations always involve the legs. Restless legs syndrome symptoms typically happen at the same time in both limbs. Uncomfortable sensations include a tingling, burning, or throbbing. These sensation may be felt in the feet, calves, or thighs, and even in the pelvic area. The upper limbs are also uncomfortable in extreme cases, but this is uncommon.
At times, there is an itching feeling. Also, patients may have chills or pain; however, this discomfort is more often painless. But this gives rise to so many other issues, like having trouble sleeping, which results in the person facing chronic exhaustion. Dreams are often disturbed, and patients are restless. During sleep, we also see twitching. All of this is registered from a state of anxiety, which forces the patient to move their legs for the tingling sensation to disappear. So, leg movements are not reflexes; in fact, the patients voluntarily move their legs to alleviate or increase the discomforting sensations.
In RLS, the longer we do not move, the more uncomfortable we are. However, the degree of symptom intensity and occurrence may not be the same for every patient. There can also be longer periods without symptoms. Patients may experience discomfort in their legs not every night but only every few weeks, months, or even years.
The initial diagnostic approach in RLS is a detailed interview of the patient with a thorough characterization of clinical elements. A key is to find out when the symptoms are present, how long they last, and whether they disrupt sleep. The diagnosis often involves special questionnaires because complex symptoms can be difficult to articulate. They may also be used to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. The doctor may also arrange some medical tests to rule out other possible causes and diseases. Discover the techniques that are used in the event of RLS suspicion.
Many other diseases have similarly become easier to diagnose since people started looking at blood under a microscope. In an easy blood test, iron, vitamin B12, and other substances are measured to validate any deficiency responsible for RLS. Additionally, this can indicate how the thyroid gland works, as hormonal disorders may cause RLS.
Additional tests, such as imaging tests, confirm the diagnosis and rule out other neurological or metabolic disorders. Because of this, an MRI of the brain and spinal cord might be carried out to check for other possible neurological disorders that could be causing the unusual sensations in the legs.
A neurological examination is also an option, because RLS has a connection with the nervous system's activity. Commonly used methods include a clinical neurological examination, which evaluates the function of peripheral nerves and muscles. The doctor also performs special tests of sensation and muscle function.
You might not have heard of polysomnography, but it is also a very good technique. To put it simply, it is basically a sleep study. It can help to identify sleep disorders like sleep apnea and narcolepsy. The test is done in a very distinctive way. The patient falls asleep in a special cozy room, attached to many sensors tracking various parameters, including brain waves, muscle tension, heart rate, eye movements, and even breathing.
Monitoring typically lasts several to several dozen hours, often overnight (so that we can obtain a full picture of sleep phases). The test itself is not painful or cumbersome, other than finding the patient snoozing under unusual conditions.
Proper treatment can start once we know what is causing the condition. RLS treatment methods differ depending on the underlying cause. Read on for the doctor-approved techniques you absolutely need to know.
Suppose vitamin deficiency is responsible for the RLS. In that case, providing a varied diet or more often reaching for iron, magnesium, vitamin B12, D, and C supplements (great importance is attached to iron supplementation). Low iron impairs communication in the nervous system, and without it, we might feel bad. Vitamin C also increases iron absorption.
Magnesium is also essential. This feature minimizes the probability of muscle cramps and stiffness, which can be downright annoying. Interestingly, magnesium is necessary for sleep regulation and may lessen nighttime wake-ups. A healthcare professional ideally chooses RLS supplements. To relieve symptoms, these ingredients must be in the correct proportions!
For some people, restless legs syndrome is secondary to other diseases. When this is the case, the physician will choose the correct medications to help manage RLS and any causes associated with the disease. The most common ones are those that alter the amount of dopamine. Other medicines, such as anti-epileptic drugs, can work well too. Opioids are indicated in extreme cases to alleviate discomforting symptoms. The medication helps alleviate discomfort and enhances the quality of sleep. Unfortunately, prescription drugs can also result in a number of side effects, including headaches, mood changes, and heart rhythm issues.
It can also help to avoid things that exaggerate RLS symptoms. There is no one-size-fits-all diet for restless legs syndrome; however, having a mixed diet and adequate nutrient levels is important. Patients will also need to sleep in a comfortable environment. No more daytime naps. It's also helpful to create time for sleep and journal to figure out what things impact sleep. Relaxation techniques may help if the stress occurs and can help relieve RLS symptoms. A leg massage is also a great idea if you are trying to ease symptoms.
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