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Archive for the ‘Neurological Disorder’ Category

What is the prognosis?

RLS is generally a disease that lasts a lifetime and no cure. Symptoms may gradually worsen with age, but more slowly for those with the idiopathic form of RLS than for patients who also suffer from associated medical condition. However, current therapies can control the disorder, decreasing symptoms and increasing periods of restful sleep.

In addition, some patients have remissions-period in which symptoms decrease or disappear for days, weeks or months, although symptoms usually eventually reappear. A diagnosis of RLS does not mean the beginning of another neurological disease. Read the rest of this entry »

Although movement brings relief to patients with RLS, it is usually only temporary. However, RLS can be controlled if there is another condition that may contribute to the syndrome. Often, treating the associated medical condition, such as peripheral neuropathy or diabetes, relieve many symptoms. For patients with idiopathic RLS, treatment is directed toward relief of symptoms.

For those with mild to moderate symptoms, prevention is the key, and many physicians suggest changes in lifestyle and activities that are performed to reduce or eliminate symptoms. A decrease in the use of caffeine, alcohol and snuff can provide some relief. Doctors may suggest that some people take supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate, and magnesium. Studies have also shown that maintaining a regular sleep pattern, can reduce symptoms. Read the rest of this entry »

Currently, there is no single diagnostic test for RLS. The disorder is diagnosed clinically evaluating the patient’s history and symptoms. Despite a clear description of the clinical features, the disease is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed sufficiently. In 1995, the International Study Group on Restless Legs Syndrome identified four basic criteria for diagnosing RLS: (1) a desire to move the limbs, often associated with paresthesias or dysesthesias, (2) symptoms that worsen or are present only during rest or partially or temporarily relieved by activity, (3) motor restlessness, and (4) nocturnal worsening of symptoms.

Although about 80 percent of people with RLS also have PLMD’s not necessary to have for a diagnosis of RLS. In severe cases, patients may experience dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements, often continuous) while awake, and some patients have symptoms in one or both arms, as well as your legs. Most people with RLS have sleep disturbances, largely because of the discomfort and milestones in the extremities. The result is a lot of sleep and excessive daytime fatigue. Read the rest of this entry »

In most cases, the cause of RLS is unknown (which is called idiopathic). There is a family history of disease in approximately 50 percent of cases, suggesting a genetic form of the disorder. People with the inherited form of RLS tend to be younger when symptoms start and have a slower progression of the disease.

In other cases, RLS appears to be related to the following factors or conditions, although researchers do not yet know whether these factors actually cause the syndrome.

People with low iron levels or anemia may be prone to developing RLS. Once you have corrected the iron levels or anemia, patients may see a decrease in symptoms.
Chronic diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and peripheral neuropathy associated with RLS. When the primary disease is often obtained relief from the symptoms of RLS. Read the rest of this entry »

As described before, people with RLS feel uncomfortable sensations in their legs, especially when sitting or lying, which are accompanied by an irresistible urge to move. These sensations usually occur deep inside the leg between the knee and ankle occur less often in the feet, thighs, arms and hands. Although the sensations can occur on only one side of the body, most often occur on both sides.

Because moving the legs (or other affected parts of the body) relieves the discomfort, people with RLS often keep their legs in motion to minimize or prevent the sensations. You can go back and forth from one side to another, constantly moving his legs while sitting, or turn around in bed. Read the rest of this entry »

What is restless legs syndrome?

The restless legs syndrome (RLS or, for short) is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest, in an effort to relieve these feelings. People often describe RLS sensations as burning, as if something will pull them or slippage, or like insects crawling up inside of her legs. These feelings often called paresthesias (abnormal sensations) or dysesthesias (unpleasant abnormal sensations), vary in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful.

The most distinctive or unusual features of the disorder is that symptoms are triggered by the fact lie and try to relax. As a result, most people with RLS have difficulty falling and staying asleep. If untreated, the condition causes exhaustion and daytime fatigue. Many people with RLS report that their work, personal relationships and daily activities are affected as a result of fatigue. Often they can not concentrate, have impaired memory, or fail to fulfill their daily tasks. Read the rest of this entry »