Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Part One
In Primary RLS, the disease is often passed from generation to generation with each succeeding generation experiencing the symptoms at an earlier age but with slower progression of the symptoms. Research is presently being done to find the gene or genes that cause Primary or Familial RLS and a cure for it.
Secondary RLS can result from certain other factors of which iron deficiency and peripheral neuropathy are the most common. The list of causes of RLS is long and also includes factors (in order of frequency) such folate, or magnesium deficiency, alcohol abuse, amyloidosis, diabetes mellitus, Lyme disease, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, uremia, or vitamin B12 deficiency, pregnancy, anemia, parkinson's disease, gastric surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, carcinoma, varicose veins, caffeine, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, cigarette smoking and fibromyalgia syndrome.
Diagnosing RLS
If you feel that you may have RLS, discuss your symptoms with your doctor. While there is no specific test to determinehere are several tests such as laboratory testing for anemia, B12, ferritin, and folate levels, an EMG to evaluate for neuropathy and polysomnography done in a Sleep Lab that are helpful in determining if you have RLS and what kind.
In Part Two we will look at what treatments are available for RLS, what to avoid if you have RLS and some tips on how to live with Restless Legs Syndrome.
Check out Tamara Peters article on her personal experiences in Living with Restless Leg Syndrome
Related Organizations:
Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation www.rls.org
National Sleep Foundation http://www.sleepfoundation.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke NINDS Restless Legs Syndrome Information Page http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medi...
Worldwide Education & Awareness for Movement Disorders (WE MOVE) http://www.wemove.org
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) http://www.rarediseases.org
References:
Johnson, Dr. Tim, Can't Sit Still - Promising Treatments for Restless Leg Syndrome May Be on the Way. ABCNEWS.com at http://abcnews.go.com/sections/GMA/DrJoh...
http://neuroland.com/sleep/restless_leg_...
http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/1999/0...
http://www.sleepdisorderchannel.net/rls/
http://www.medicinenet.com/Restless_Leg_...
http://www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/band67...
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