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: 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.
References:
Bayard M, Avonda T, Wadzinski J., Am Fam Physician. 2008 Jul 15;78(2):243 Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007 Kushida CA. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and quality of life issues in restless legs syndrome. Am J Med. January 2007;120(1 Suppl 1):S4-S12.
|