|
|
Restless Leg Syndrome
Alternate Names : Nocturnal Myoclonus, RLS
DefinitionRestless leg syndrome is a sleep disorder characterized by leg discomfort during sleep, which is only relieved by frequent movements of the legs.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults. It is worsened by stress. The cause is not known.
The disorder consists of sensations in the lower legs that make the person uncomfortable unless the legs are moved. The sensations usually occur shortly after going to bed but may also occur during the daytime.
The abnormal sensations occasionally occur in the upper leg, the feet or the arms in addition to the lower leg. There are often no obvious vascular or neurologic abnormalities associated with the disorder. Sometimes restless leg syndrome can be associated with peripheral nerve diseases, however.
There is an irresistible urge to walk or move the legs to relieve the discomfort, resulting in periodic episodes of leg movements during early sleep stages. The symptoms may last for 1 hour or longer.
Restless leg syndrome can result in a decreased quality of sleep (insomnia) with subsequent daytime sleepiness, anxiety or depression, and confusion or slowed thought processes from lack of sleep.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Officials Still Seek Source of Salmonella Outbreak - Jan 09, 2009, 14:00
Almost 400 Americans in 42 states have been sickened. | • | Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 9, 2009 - Jan 09, 2009, 10:05
- Fungal Infections
- Post Menopause
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
| • | Americans Consuming More Sugary Beverages - Jan 09, 2009, 12:00
Adults gulping an average of 300 calories every day, study finds. | • | Garlic as a Cancer Fighter? Maybe Not - Jan 09, 2009, 16:00
Evidence that strong-smelling herb prevents cancer is said to be weak.
| • | Antipsychotics Up Death Risk in Alzheimer's Patients - Jan 09, 2009, 09:00
Long-term study says the drugs should only be used short-term, as last resort. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Mononeuropathy
Other Topics
• Blockage of Leg Arteries
• Confusion
• Depression
• Drowsiness
• Incidence
• Muscle Cramps
• Numbness and Tingling
• Peripheral
• Sleeping Difficulty
• Stress and Anxiety
Review Date : 7/28/2002
Reviewed By : Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., MSc, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
