What is the cause of 'restless-leg syndrome' and what can I do to prevent or alleviate it?

Answer 1

Causes

Certain medications may worsen RLS in those who already have it, or cause it secondarily. These include: anti-nausea drugs, certain antihistamines (often in over-the-counter cold medications), drugs used to treat depression (both older tricyclics and newer SSRIs), antipsychotic drugs, and certain medications used to control seizures. Some people find it is worsened by the consumption of diet soda, alcohol, or caffeine. Hypoglycemia has also been found to worsen RLS symptoms. For those affected, a reduction or elimination in the consumption of simple carbohydrates (for example, sugar, white flour, white rice and white potatoes) or some hard fats, such as are found in beef or biscuits, is recommended.

Both primary and secondary RLS can be worsened by surgery of any kind, however back surgery or injury is often associated with causing RLS. RLS often worsens in pregnancy.

Answer 2

I even have RLS and have suffered with it for an extremely lengthy time. It manifests itself in distinctive procedures in distinctive human beings. For me, I even have particularly some the worst indications. every time I sit down nevertheless or lay right down to sleep at nighttime, I even have an uncontrollable urge to pass my legs. this is like feeling as though your legs are crammed with potential and able to run a marathon, no count how exhausted something of your physique is. And the restlessness lasts for hours...in no way 5 minutes. I even have lost many nights of sleep do to RLS. the latest drugs which at the instant are out have made my indications almost disappear. RLS isn't new, it is not a pretend ailment, that's a severe issue for some human beings, and the pharmaceutical companies' new drugs have helped a large number of poeple.

Answer 3

What is Restless Legs Syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them for relief. Individuals affected with the disorder describe the sensations as burning, creeping, tugging, or like insects crawling inside the legs. The sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful.

Is there any treatment?

For those with mild to moderate symptoms, many physicians suggest certain lifestyle changes and activities to reduce or eliminate symptoms. Decreased use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may provide some relief. Physicians may suggest that certain individuals take supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate, and magnesium. Taking a hot bath, massaging the legs, or using a heating pad or ice pack can help relieve symptoms in some patients.

Physicians also may suggest a variety of medications to treat RLS, including dopaminergics, benzodiazepines (central nervous system depressants), opioids, and anticonvulsants. In 2005, ropinirole became the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for the treatment of moderate to severe RLS.

What is the prognosis?

RLS is generally a life-long condition for which there is no cure. Symptoms may gradually worsen with age. Nevertheless, current therapies can control the disorder, minimizing symptoms and increasing periods of restful sleep. In addition, some patients have remissions, periods in which symptoms decrease or disappear for days, weeks, or months, although symptoms usually eventually reappear.

Answer 4

let's put it this way....i wrote a long research paper on the topic, and there is no exact answer as to the cause. they DID find that secondary RLS (caused from secondary means ie pregnancy) can be caused by an iron deficiency. upon discovering this, research has been conducted into how iron is related to the cause in patients with primary RLS (no apparent cause). it has been found that certain areas of the brain contain less levels of iron in patients with RLS. these areas of the brain have been also associated with Parkinson's disease - a disease that also is characterized by involuntary movement.

So now, ropinirole (Requip) is the only medication that is FDA approved for the treatment of RLS. It is widely used as a treatment for the involuntary movements associated with Parkinson's disease, and has shown to reduce symptoms of RLS.

In essence, i suggest that you 1) try an iron-supplement and see if that works - in case ur iron deficient - who knows, it's worth a shot. 2) talk to your doctor about the drug if it is REALLY prohibiting you from sleeping, working, etc. 3) try and stay away from caffeine or any other drugs that are stimulants that you may be taking.

Answer 5

i have restless leg syndrome and nocturnal myoclonus (kicking in my sleep). i take neurontin for it. this problem may be related to epilepsy, therefore anti-seizure medications can help it. the nerves continue to fire even when you're at rest, which causes the "creepy" sensations, and the urge to move. mild cases can be treated with a benadryl taken at bedtime. if the problem is truly bothering you, go to your family doctor, and perhaps get a referral to a neurologist if the GP doesn't help. good luck!

Answer 6

Are you sure its RLS, and not just a nervous tick? Try relaxing and staying away from caffiene. Nervous ticks that resemble RLS are usually caused by stress. Just consciously stop yourself when you start moving your legs, and stay in as comfortable a position as you can.

Answer 7

I know that they have a medication for it now. I don`t have it very often but it could have something to do with electrolyte levels. I`m just glad they have put a name to it I just used to call it the creepy crawlies.

Answer 8

hey i saw this on childrens hospital the other week. this girls leg couldn't stop moving. not sure of the cases though.

Answer 9

I heard that it was hormonal due to lack of sex. I think the cure is obvious.

Answer 10

i have the same thing sometimes.. they have a pill for it now. for me if i drink coffee at night i get it... try not drinking drinks with caffene in them