Restless legs syndrome

 

Alternative Names

Nocturnal myoclonus; RLS; Akathisia

Definition

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a nervous system problem that causes you to feel an unstoppable urge to get up and pace or walk. You feel uncomfortable unless you move your legs. Moving stops the unpleasant feeling for a short time.

Causes

No one knows exactly what causes RLS. It may be due to a problem with the way brain cells use dopamine. Dopamine is a brain chemical that helps with muscle movement.

RLS may be linked to some other conditions. It may occur more often in people with:

RLS may also occur in people who:

  • Use certain medicines such as calcium channel blockers, lithium, or neuroleptics
  • Are stopping sedative use
  • Use caffeine

RLS occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults.

RLS is commonly passed down in families. This may be a factor when symptoms start at a younger age.

Symptoms

RLS leads to unpleasant feelings in your lower legs. These feelings cause an unstoppable urge to move your legs. You may feel:

  • Creeping and crawling
  • Bubbling, pulling, or tugging
  • Burning or searing
  • Aching, throbbing, or pain
  • Itching or gnawing

These sensations:

  • Are worse at night when you lie down
  • Sometimes occur during the day
  • Start or get worse when you lie down or sit for long periods of time
  • May last for 1 hour or longer
  • Sometimes also occur in the upper legs, feet, or arms
  • Are relieved when you move or stretch as long as you keep moving

Symptoms can make it difficult to sit during air or car travel, or through classes or meetings.

Stress or emotional upset can make symptoms worse.

Most people with RLS have rhythmic leg movements when they sleep. This condition is called periodic limb movement disorder.

All of these symptoms make it hard to sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to:

Exams and Tests

There is no specific test for restless legs syndrome. Your health care provider will take your medical history and do a physical exam. You may have blood tests and other exams to rule out conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Usually, your provider will determine whether you have RLS based on your symptoms.

Treatment

Restless legs syndrome can't be cured. However, treatment can help relieve symptoms.

Certain lifestyle changes may help you cope with the condition and ease symptoms.

  • Get enough sleep. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Make sure your bed and bedroom are comfortable.
  • Try using hot or cold packs.
  • Help your muscles relax with gentle stretches, massage, and warm baths.
  • Take time out of your day to just to relax. Try yoga, meditation, or other ways to ease tension.
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. They may make symptoms worse.

Your health care provider may prescribe medicines to treat RLS.

Some medicines help control symptoms:

  • Pramipexole (Mirapex)
  • Ropinirole (Requip)
  • Low doses of narcotics

Other medicines can help you sleep:

  • Sinemet (combination carbidopa-levodopa), an anti-Parkinson's medication
  • Gabapentin and pregabalin
  • Clonazepam or other tranquilizers

Medicines to help you sleep may cause daytime sleepiness.

Treating conditions with similar symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy or iron deficiency can also help relieve symptoms.

Outlook (Prognosis)

RLS is not dangerous. However, it can be uncomfortable, make it hard to sleep, and affect your quality of life.

Possible Complications

You may not be able to sleep very well (insomnia).

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

  • You have symptoms of restless legs syndrome
  • Your sleep is disrupted
  • Symptoms get worse

Prevention

There is no way to prevent RLS.

References

Aurora RN, Kristo DA, Bista SR, et al. The treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults-an update for 2012: practice parameters with an evidence-based systematic review and meta-analyses: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline. Sleep. 2012;35:1039-1062.

Borkan JM. Restless Legs Syndrome. In: Ferri: Ferri's Clinical Advisor. 1st ed. Philadephia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2014:section 1.

Chokroverty S, Avidan AY. Sleep and its disorders. In: Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, eds. In: Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2012:chap 68.

Mahowald MW. Disorders of sleep. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 412.

Schurks M, Bussfeld P. Multiple sclerosis and restless legs syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Neurol. 2013;20:605-615.

Wilt TJ, MacDonald R, Ouellette J, et al. Pharmacologic therapy for primary restless legs syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Med. 2013;173:496-505.

Review Date: 11/24/2013
Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Department of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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