Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a sensory-motor disorder with a primary symptom being an unpleasant sensation in the legs. This can develop in an itchy, electric, burning or painful sensation.
It occurs mainly during night or rest hours and is accompanied by a strong desire to move the legs. Prolonged stillness, such as in the car, cinema and bed, exacerbate the symptoms./p>
The move seems to bring some temporary relief, but the unpleasant feeling comes back. More rarely, the syndrome may involve the upper extremities or manifest with acute pain.
It is estimated that restless legs syndrome – one of the neurological disorders – may affect as much as 5 to 10% of the population. Patients are usually women and the elderly, with known risk factors being anemia, pregnancy and disease..
The syndrome has been linked to other conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, depression and insomnia. Also, some drugs and caffeine can worsen the symptoms..
The diagnosis is made on the basis of the clinical picture and with laboratory tests to investigate any underlying disorders. On each case, appropriate medication is recommended, as well as some simple practical symptom-reducing guidelines..
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