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RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME CAUSES |
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Most people experience mild symptoms.
They may lie down to rest at the end of the day and, just before
sleep, will experience discomfort in their legs that prompts them to
stand up, massage the leg, or walk briefly. Eighty-five percent of
Restless Legs Syndrome patients either have difficulty falling asleep or wake several
times during the night, and almost half experience daytime fatigue
or sleepiness. It is common for the symptoms to be intermittent.
They may disappear for several months and then return for no
apparent reason. Two-thirds of patients report that their symptoms
become worse with time. Some older patients claim to have had
symptoms since they were in their early 20s, but were not diagnosed
until their 50s. Suspected under-diagnosis of Restless Legs Syndrome may be attributed
to the difficulty experienced by patients in describing their
symptoms. More than 80% of patients with Restless Legs Syndrome experience periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS). These random movements of arms or legs may result in further sleep disturbance and daytime fatigue. Most patients have restless feelings in both legs, but only one leg may be affected. Arms may be affected in nearly half of patients. There is no known cause for the disorder, but recent research has focused on several key areas. These include: Central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities. Several types of drugs have been found to reduce the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome. Based on an understanding of how these drugs work, theories have been developed to explain the cause of the disorder. Levodopa and other drugs that correct problems with signal transmission within the central nervous system (CNS) can reduce the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome. It is therefore suspected that the source of Restless Legs Syndrome is a problem related to signal transmission systems in the CNS. Iron deficiency. The body stores iron in the form of ferritin. There is a relationship between low levels of iron (as ferritin) stored in the body and the occurrence of Restless Legs Syndrome. Studies have shown that older people with Restless Legs Syndrome often have low levels of ferritin. Supplements of iron sulfate have been shown to significantly reduce Restless Legs Syndrome symptoms for these patients. |
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| RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME RELATED ITEMS | ||
