Restless Legs Syndrome Information

From the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

What is Restless Legs Syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome is a sensori-motor (movement) disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, which are worse during periods of inactivity or rest or while sitting or lying down. There is often a positive family history of the disorder. Individuals affected with the disorder describe the sensations as pulling, drawing, crawling, wormy, boring, tingling, pins and needles, prickly, and sometimes painful sensations that are usually accompanied by an overwhelming urge to move the legs. Sudden muscle jerks may also occur. Movement provides temporary relief from the discomfort. In rare cases, the arms may also be affected. Symptoms may interfere with sleep onset (sleep onset insomnia). Research suggests that restless legs syndrome is related to periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), another more common motor disorder, which causes interrupted sleep. The symptoms often exhibit circadian rhythmicity in their peak occurrence during awakening hours.

Is There Any Treatment?

Treatment for restless legs syndrome is symptomatic. Massage and application of cold compresses may provide temporary relief. Medications such as temazepam, levodopa/carbidopa, bromocriptine, pergolide mesylate, oxycodone, propoxyphene, and codeine are effective in relieving the symptoms. However, many of these medications have side effects. Current research suggests correction of iron deficiency may improve symptoms for some patients.

What is the Prognosis?

Restless legs syndrome is a life-long condition for which there is no cure. Symptoms may gradually worsen with age, and their most disabling feature is the sleep onset insomnia they cause, which can be severe.

What Research is Being Done?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) supports an extensive program of basic and clinical research aimed at discovering the mechanisms responsible for many motor disorders such as restless legs syndrome, especially those associated with sleep changes. The goal of this research is to discover ways to prevent, diagnose, treat, and, ultimately, find cures for motor disorders including restless legs syndrome.

Selected References

• Hening, W, et al.
  The treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder Sleep, 22; 970-999 (1999)
• Hening, W, Walters, A, and Chokroverty, S.
  Motor functions and dysfunctions of sleep In Sleep Disorders Medicine, Butterworth-Heinemann, Boston, pp. 255-293 (1994)
• McGee, S.
  Restless legs syndrome Journal of American Medical Association, 265:22; 3014 (June 12, 1991)
• Montplaisir,J, Lorrain, D, and Godbout, R.
  Restless legs syndrome and periodic leg movements in sleep and the primary role of dopaminergic mechanisms European Neurology, 31; 41-43 (1991)
• O'Keeffe, S, Gavin, K, and Lavan, J.
  Iron status and restless legs syndrome in the elderly Age and Aging, 23:3; 200-203 (1994)
• Pelletier, G, Lorrain, D, and Montplaisir, J.
  Sensory and motor components of the restless legs syndrome Neurology, 42:9; 1663-1666 (September 1992)
• Phillips, B, et al.
  Epidemiology of restless legs syndrome in adults Archives of Medicine, (in press)
• Trenkwalder, C, et al.
  Circadian rhythm of periodic limb movements and sensory symptoms of restless legs syndrome Movement Disorders, 14; 102-110 (1999)

Organizations

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923 (100 Route 37)
New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923
Email: orphan@rarediseases.org
Website: www.rarediseases.org
Telephone: 203-746-6518 or 1-800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-746-6481

National Sleep Foundation
1522 K Street NW Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
Email: nsf@sleepfoundation.org
Website: www.sleepfoundation.org
Telephone: 202-347-3471 (no public calls please)
Fax: 202-347-3472

Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation
1610 14th St NW Suite 300
Rochester, MN 55901
Email: rlsfoundation@rls.org
Website: www.rls.org
Telephone: 507-287-6465
Fax: 507-287-6312