Jump to content

Restless legs syndrome: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
No edit summary
Citation bot (talk | contribs)
Add: pages, volume. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Dominic3203 | Category:Syndromes | #UCB_Category 81/552
 
(893 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Neurological disorder that causes a strong urge to move one's legs}}
{{Infobox disease
{{Redirect|Restless legs|the song by Half Man Half Biscuit|Achtung Bono}}
| Name = Restless legs syndrome
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
| Image = RLS sleep patterns diagram - en.svg
| Caption = Sleep pattern of a restless legs syndrome patient (red) vs. a healthy sleep pattern (blue).
| name = Restless legs syndrome
| image = RLS sleep patterns diagram - en.svg
| DiseasesDB = 29476
| caption = Sleep pattern of a person with restless legs syndrome (red) compared to a healthy sleep pattern (blue)
| ICD10 = {{ICD10|G|25|8|g|20}}
| ICD9 = {{ICD9|333.94}}
| field = [[Sleep medicine]]
| synonyms = Willis–Ekbom disease (WED),<ref name="NINDS2019Fact">{{cite web |title=Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet {{!}} National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke |url=https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Restless-Legs-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet |website=Ninds.nih.gov |access-date=7 July 2019 |archive-date=28 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728021833/https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Restless-Legs-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet |url-status=live }}</ref> Wittmaack–Ekbom syndrome
| ICDO =
| symptoms = Unpleasant feeling in the legs that briefly improves with moving them<ref name="NIH2010What" />
| OMIM = 102300
| complications = Daytime sleepiness, low energy, irritability, [[depressed mood|sadness]]<ref name="NIH2010What" />
| OMIM_mult = {{OMIM2|608831}}
| onset = More common with older age<ref name="NIH2010Age" />
| MedlinePlus = 000807
| eMedicineSubj = neuro
| duration =
| causes =
| eMedicineTopic = 509
| risks = [[iron deficiency|Low iron levels]], [[kidney failure]], [[Parkinson's disease]], [[diabetes mellitus]], [[rheumatoid arthritis]], pregnancy, certain medications<ref name="NIH2010What" /><ref name="AFP2013" /><ref name="NIH2010Ca" />
| MeshID = D012148
| diagnosis = Based on symptoms after ruling out other possible causes<ref name="NIH2010Diag" />
| differential =
| prevention =
| treatment = Lifestyle changes, medication<ref name="NIH2010What" />
| medication = [[Dopamine agonist]]s, [[levodopa]], [[gabapentinoid]]s, [[opioid]]s<ref name="AFP2013" /><ref name="pmid27448465" /><ref name="pmid34218864" /><ref name="NEUR2021">{{cite journal |last1=Gossard |first1=Thomas R. |last2=Trotti |first2=Lynn Marie |last3=Videnovic |first3=Aleksandar |last4=St Louis |first4=Erik K. |title=Restless Legs Syndrome: Contemporary Diagnosis and Treatment |journal=Neurotherapeutics |date=20 April 2021 |volume=18 |issue=1 |pages=140–155 |doi=10.1007/s13311-021-01019-4 |pmid=33880737 |pmc=8116476 |url=https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s13311-021-01019-4.pdf |access-date=27 January 2023 |archive-date=27 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127000909/https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s13311-021-01019-4.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| prognosis =
| frequency = 2.5–15% (US)<ref name="AFP2013" />
| deaths =
}}
}}


'''Restless legs syndrome (RLS)''', (also known as '''Willis–Ekbom disease''' '''(WED)''', is a [[neurological disorder]], usually chronic, that causes an overwhelming urge to move one's legs.<ref name="NIH2010What">{{cite web|title=What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?|url=http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rls/|website=NHLBI|access-date=19 August 2016|date=November 1, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821190844/http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rls/|archive-date=21 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="NIH2019">{{cite web |title=Restless Legs Syndrome Information Page {{!}} National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke |url=https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Restless-Legs-Syndrome-Information-Page |website=Ninds.nih.gov |access-date=7 July 2019 |archive-date=8 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008224310/https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Restless-Legs-Syndrome-Information-Page |url-status=live }}</ref> There is often an unpleasant feeling in the legs that improves temporarily by moving them.<ref name="NIH2010What" /> This feeling is often described as aching, tingling, or crawling in nature.<ref name="NIH2010What" /> Occasionally, arms may also be affected.<ref name="NIH2010What" /> The feelings generally happen when at rest and therefore can make it hard to [[sleep]].<ref name="NIH2010What" /> [[Sleep deprivation|Sleep disruption]] may leave people with RLS sleepy during the day, with low energy, and irritable or [[depressed mood|depressed]].<ref name="NIH2010What" /> Additionally, many have limb twitching during sleep, a condition known as ''[[periodic limb movement disorder]]''.<ref name="NIH2010Sym">{{cite web|title=What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome?|url=http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rls/signs|website=NHLBI|access-date=19 August 2016|date=November 1, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827200314/http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rls/signs|archive-date=27 August 2016}}</ref> RLS is not the same as [[Fidgeting|habitual foot-tapping or leg-rocking]].<ref name=":5" />
'''Restless leg syndrom''' ('''RLS''') or '''Willis-Ekbom disease''' is a [[neurological disorder]] characterized by an irresistible urge to move one's body to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=2103–9 |doi=10.1056/NEJMcp021288 |title=Restless Legs Syndrome |year=2003 |last1=Earley |first1=Christopher J. |journal=New England Journal of Medicine |volume=348 |issue=21 |pmid=12761367}}</ref> It most commonly affects the legs, but can affect the arms, torso, and even [[phantom limb]]s.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=569–70 |doi=10.1136/jnnp.2008.152652 |title=Bilateral restless legs affecting a phantom limb, treated with dopamine agonists |year=2009 |last1=Skidmore |first1=F M |last2=Drago |first2=V. |last3=Foster |first3=P S |last4=Heilman |first4=K M |journal=Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry |volume=80 |issue=5 |pmid=19372293}}</ref> Moving the affected body part modulates the sensations, providing temporary relief.


==Diagnosis and treatment==
RLS sensations could be pain, an aching, an itching or tickling in the muscles, like "an itch you can't scratch" or an unpleasant "tickle that won't stop", or even a "crawling" feeling. The sensations typically begin or intensify during quiet wakefulness, such as when relaxing, reading, studying, or trying to sleep.<ref name=pmid14592341>{{cite journal |pages=101–19 |doi=10.1016/S1389-9457(03)00010-8 |title=Restless legs syndrome: diagnostic criteria, special considerations, and epidemiology A report from the restless legs syndrome diagnosis and epidemiology workshop at the National Institutes of Health |year=2003 |last1=Allen |first1=R |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=4 |issue=2 |pmid=14592341 |last2=Picchietti |first2=D |last3=Hening |first3=WA |last4=Trenkwalder |first4=C |last5=Walters |first5=AS |last6=Montplaisi |first6=J |author7=Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnosis and Epidemiology workshop at the National Institutes of Health |author8=International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group}}</ref> In addition, most individuals with RLS have [[Periodic limb movement disorder|limb jerking during sleep]], which is an objective physiologic marker of the disorder and is associated with sleep disruption.<ref name="pmid17634447"/> Some controversy surrounds the marketing of drug treatments for RLS. It is a "spectrum" disease with some people experiencing only a minor annoyance and others experiencing major disruption of sleep and significant impairments in quality of life.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=807–15 |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2010.07.007 |title=Restless legs syndrome: Understanding its consequences and the need for better treatment |year=2010 |last1=Earley |first1=Christopher J. |last2=Silber |first2=Michael H. |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=11 |issue=9 |pmid=20817595}}</ref>
Diagnosis of RLS is generally based on a person's symptoms after ruling out other potential causes.<ref name="NIH2010Diag">{{cite web|title=How Is Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnosed?|url=http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rls/diagnosis|website=NHLBI|access-date=19 August 2016|date=November 1, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827211135/http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rls/diagnosis|archive-date=27 August 2016}}</ref> Risk factors include [[Iron deficiency|low iron levels]], [[kidney failure]], [[Parkinson's disease]], [[diabetes mellitus]], [[rheumatoid arthritis]], [[Signs and symptoms of pregnancy#Leg cramps|pregnancy]] and [[celiac disease]].<ref name="NIH2010What" /><ref name="AFP2013" /><ref name=ZisHadjivassiliou2019>{{cite journal| author=Zis P, Hadjivassiliou M| title=Treatment of Neurological Manifestations of Gluten Sensitivity and Coeliac Disease. | journal=Curr Treat Options Neurol | year= 2019 | volume= 21 | issue= 3 | pages= 10 | pmid=30806821 | doi=10.1007/s11940-019-0552-7 | type=Review | doi-access=free }}</ref> A number of medications may also trigger the disorder including [[antidepressants]], [[antipsychotics]], [[antihistamines]], and [[calcium channel blockers]].<ref name="NIH2010Ca">{{cite web|title=What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?|url=http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rls/causes|website=NHLBI|access-date=19 August 2016|date=November 1, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820044249/http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rls/causes|archive-date=20 August 2016}}</ref>


RLS may either be of early onset, occurring before age 45, or of late onset, occurring after age 45. Early-onset cases tend to progress more slowly and involve fewer comorbidities, while cases in older patients may progress suddenly and alongside other conditions.<ref>{{cite journal | pmc=7277795 | date=2020 | last1=Didato | first1=G. | last2=Di Giacomo | first2=R. | last3=Rosa | first3=G. J. | last4=Dominese | first4=A. | last5=De Curtis | first5=M. | last6=Lanteri | first6=P. | title=Restless Legs Syndrome across the Lifespan: Symptoms, Pathophysiology, Management and Daily Life Impact of the Different Patterns of Disease Presentation | journal=International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | volume=17 | issue=10 | page=3658 | doi=10.3390/ijerph17103658 | pmid=32456058 | doi-access=free }}</ref>
==Signs and symptoms==
The sensations—and the need to move—may return immediately after ceasing movement or at a later time. RLS may start at any age, including childhood, and is a progressive disease for some, while the symptoms may remit in others.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=617–22 |doi=10.1001/archneurol.2010.67 |title=Family Study of Restless Legs Syndrome in Quebec, Canada: Clinical Characterization of 671 Familial Cases |year=2010 |last1=Xiong |first1=L. |last2=Montplaisir |first2=J. |last3=Desautels |first3=A. |last4=Barhdadi |first4=A. |last5=Turecki |first5=G. |last6=Levchenko |first6=A. |last7=Thibodeau |first7=P. |last8=Dube |first8=M. P. |last9=Gaspar |first9=C. |journal=Archives of Neurology |volume=67 |issue=5 |pmid=20457962}}</ref> In a survey among members of the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation it was found that up to 45% of patients had their first symptoms before the age of 20 years.<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=8559428 |year=1996 |last1=Walters |first1=AS |last2=Hickey |first2=K |last3=Maltzman |first3=J |last4=Verrico |first4=T |last5=Joseph |first5=D |last6=Hening |first6=W |last7=Wilson |first7=V |last8=Chokroverty |first8=S |title=A questionnaire study of 138 patients with restless legs syndrome: the 'Night-Walkers' survey |volume=46 |issue=1 |pages=92–5 |journal=Neurology}}</ref>
*"An urge to move, usually due to uncomfortable sensations that occur primarily in the legs, but occasionally in the arms or elsewhere."<ref>{{cite web
| title = Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet
| url = http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm
| publisher = [[National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke]]}}</ref>
:The sensations are unusual and unlike other common sensations. Those with RLS have a hard time describing them, using words like: uncomfortable, painful, 'antsy', electrical, creeping, itching, [[Paresthesia|pins and needles]], pulling, crawling, and numbness. It is sometimes described similar to a limb 'falling asleep'. The sensation and the urge can occur in any body part; the most cited location is legs, followed by arms. Some people have little or no sensation, yet still have a strong urge to move.
*"Motor restlessness, expressed as activity, which relieves the urge to move."{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}}
:Movement usually brings immediate relief, although temporary and partial. Walking is most common; however, stretching, yoga, biking, or other physical activity may relieve the symptoms. Continuous, fast up-and-down movements of the leg, and/or rapidly moving the legs toward then away from each other, may keep sensations at bay without having to walk. Specific movements may be unique to each person.
*"Worsening of symptoms by relaxation."{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}}
:Sitting or lying down (reading, plane ride, watching TV) can trigger the sensations and urge to move. Severity depends on the severity of the person’s RLS, the degree of restfulness, duration of the inactivity, etc.
*"Variability over the course of the day-night cycle, with symptoms worse in the evening and early in the night."{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}}
:Some experience RLS only at bedtime, while others experience it throughout the day and night. Most sufferers experience the worst symptoms in the evening and the least in the morning.
*"Restless legs feel similar to the urge to yawn, situated in the legs or arms." These symptoms of RLS can make sleeping difficult for many patients and a recent poll shows the presence of significant daytime difficulties resulting from this condition. These problems range from being late for work, and missing work or events because of drowsiness. Patients with RLS who responded reported driving while drowsy more than patients without RLS. These daytime difficulties can translate into safety, social and economic issues for the patient and for society.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}


RLS may resolve if the underlying problem is addressed.<ref name="NIH2010Tx">{{cite web|title=How Is Restless Legs Syndrome Treated?|url=http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rls/treatment|website=NHLBI|access-date=19 August 2016|date=November 1, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827200302/http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rls/treatment|archive-date=27 August 2016}}</ref> Otherwise treatment includes lifestyle changes and medication.<ref name="NIH2010What" /> Lifestyle changes that may help include stopping alcohol and tobacco use, and [[sleep hygiene]].<ref name="NIH2010Tx" /> Medications used to treat RLS include [[dopamine agonist]]s like [[pramipexole]] and [[gabapentinoid]]s (α<sub>2</sub>δ ligands) like [[gabapentin]].<ref name="AFP2013" /><ref name="pmid27448465">{{cite journal |vauthors=Garcia-Borreguero D, Silber MH, Winkelman JW, Högl B, Bainbridge J, Buchfuhrer M, Hadjigeorgiou G, Inoue Y, Manconi M, Oertel W, Ondo W, Winkelmann J, Allen RP |date=May 2016 |title=Guidelines for the first-line treatment of restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease, prevention and treatment of dopaminergic augmentation: a combined task force of the IRLSSG, EURLSSG, and the RLS-foundation |url= |journal=Sleep Med |volume=21 |issue= |pages=1–11 |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2016.01.017 |pmid=27448465|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |vauthors= Winkelman JW, Berkowski JA, DelRosso LM, Koo BB, Scharf MT, Sharon D, Zak RS, Kazmi U, Falck-Ytter Y, Shelgikar AV, Trotti LM, Walters AS |title=Treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline |journal=Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine |date=26 September 2024 |volume=21 |pages=137–152 |doi=10.5664/jcsm.11390 |pmid=39324694 |url=https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.11390 |access-date=18 November 2024 }}</ref> RLS affects an estimated 2.5–15% of the American population.<ref name="AFP2013">{{cite journal |last1=Ramar |first1=Kannan |last2=Olson |first2=Eric J. |title=Management of common sleep disorders |journal=American Family Physician |date=15 August 2013 |volume=88 |issue=4 |pages=231–238 |pmid=23944726 |url=https://www.aafp.org/link_out?pmid=23944726 |access-date=26 November 2022 |archive-date=27 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227031547/https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2013/0815/p231.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Females are more commonly affected than males, and RLS becomes increasingly common with age.<ref name="NIH2010Age">{{cite web|title=Who Is at Risk for Restless Legs Syndrome?|url=http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rls/atrisk|website=NHLBI|access-date=19 August 2016|date=November 1, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826015603/http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rls/atrisk|archive-date=26 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="NINDS2019Fact" />
===NIH criteria===
In 2003, a [[National Institutes of Health]] (NIH) panel modified their criteria to include the following:
#An urge to move the limbs with or without sensations.
#Improvement with activity. Many patients find relief when moving and the relief continues while they are moving. In more severe RLS this relief of symptoms may not be complete or the symptoms may reappear when the movement ceases.
#Worsening at rest. Patients may describe being the most affected when sitting for a long period of time, such as when traveling in a car or airplane, attending a meeting, or watching a performance. An increased level of mental awareness may help reduce these symptoms.
#Worsening in the evening or night.<ref name=pmid14592341/> Patients with mild or moderate RLS show a clear [[circadian rhythm]] to their symptoms, with an increase in sensory symptoms and restlessness in the evening and into the night.


==History==
=== Primary and secondary RLS ===
[[Thomas Willis|Sir Thomas Willis]] provided a medical description in 1672.<ref name="pmid15165536">{{cite journal |last1=Coccagna |first1=G |last2=Vetrugno |first2=R |last3=Lombardi |first3=C |last4=Provini |first4=F |year=2004 |title=Restless legs syndrome: an historical note |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=5 |issue=3 |pages=279–83 |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2004.01.002 |pmid=15165536}}</ref> Willis emphasized the sleep disruption and limb movements experienced by people with RLS.
RLS is categorised as either primary or secondary.


Subsequently, other descriptions of RLS were published, including by {{ill|Theodor Wittmaack|de}} (1861) (in relation to whom it is sometimes known as '''Wittmaack-Ekbom syndrome''').<ref>{{cite journal |last=Behrman |first=Simon |title=Disturbed Relaxation of Limbs |url=https://www.bmj.com/content/1/5085/1454 |journal=BMJ |access-date=17 November 2023 |pages=1454–1457 |language=en |doi=10.1136/bmj.1.5085.1454 |url-access=subscription |date=21 June 1958 |volume=1 |issue=5085 |pmid=13536531 |pmc=2029296 |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117101551/https://www.bmj.com/content/1/5085/1454 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Primary RLS is considered [[idiopathic]] or with no known cause. Primary RLS usually begins slowly, before approximately 40–45 years of age and may disappear for months or even years. It is often progressive and gets worse with age. RLS in children is often misdiagnosed as [[growing pains]].
*Secondary RLS often has a sudden onset after age 40, and may be daily from the beginning. It is most associated with specific medical conditions or the use of certain drugs (see below).


In 1945, [[Karl-Axel Ekbom]] (1907–1977) provided a detailed and comprehensive report of this condition in his doctoral thesis, ''restless legs: clinical study of hitherto overlooked disease''.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ekrbom |first1=Karl-Axel |year=2009 |title=PREFACE |journal=Acta Medica Scandinavica |volume=121 |pages=1–123 |doi=10.1111/j.0954-6820.1945.tb11970.x}}</ref> Ekbom coined the term "restless legs".
==Research into causes and contributing factors==


Ekbom's work was largely ignored until it was rediscovered by [[Arthur Scott Walters|Arthur S. Walters]] and Wayne A. Hening in the 1980s. Subsequent landmark publications include 1995 and 2003 papers, which revised and updated the diagnostic criteria.<ref name="pmid14592341" /><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Walters |first1=Arthur S. |last2=Aldrich |first2=Michael S. |last3=Allen |first3=Richard |last4=Ancoli-Israel |first4=Sonia |last5=Buchholz |first5=David |last6=Chokroverty |first6=Sudhansu |last7=Coccagna |first7=Giorgio |last8=Earley |first8=Christopher |last9=Ehrenberg |first9=Bruce |last10=Feest |first10=T. G. |last11=Hening |first11=Wayne |last12=Kavey |first12=Neil |last13=Lavigne |first13=Gilles |last14=Lipinski |first14=Joseph |last15=Lugaresi |first15=Elio |year=1995 |title=Toward a better definition of the restless legs syndrome |journal=Movement Disorders |volume=10 |issue=5 |pages=634–42 |doi=10.1002/mds.870100517 |pmid=8552117 |s2cid=22970514 |last16=Montagna |first16=Pasquale |last17=Montplaisir |first17=Jacques |last18=Mosko |first18=Sarah S. |last19=Oertel |first19=Wolfgang |last20=Picchietti |first20=Daniel |last21=Pollmächer |first21=Thomas |last22=Shafor |first22=Renata |last23=Smith |first23=Robert C. |last24=Telstad |first24=Wenche |last25=Trenkwalder |first25=Claudia |last26=Von Scheele |first26=Christian |last27=Walters |first27=Arthur S. |last28=Ware |first28=J. Catesby |last29=Zucconi |first29=Marco}}</ref>
===Disease mechanism===
Most research on the disease mechanism of restless legs syndrome has focused on the [[dopamine]] and [[Human iron metabolism|iron system]].<ref name="pmid15222997">{{cite journal |pages=385–91 |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2004.01.012 |title=Dopamine and iron in the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome (RLS) |year=2004 |last1=Allen |first1=R |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=5 |issue=4 |pmid=15222997}}</ref><ref name="pmid16832090">{{cite journal |pages=125–130 |doi=10.1212/01.wnl.0000223316.53428.c9 |title=Restless legs syndrome: Revisiting the dopamine hypothesis from the spinal cord perspective |year=2006 |last1=Clemens |first1=S. |journal=Neurology |volume=67 |pmid=16832090 |last2=Rye |first2=D |last3=Hochman |first3=S |issue=1}}</ref> These hypotheses are based on the observation that iron and [[levodopa]], a [[pro-drug]] of dopamine that can cross the [[blood–brain barrier]] and is metabolized in the brain into dopamine (as well as other mono-amine neurotransmitters of the catecholamine class) can be used to treat RLS, levodopa being a medicine for treating hypodopaminergic (low dopamine) conditions such as [[Parkinson's disease]], and also on findings from functional brain imaging (such as [[positron emission tomography]] and [[functional magnetic resonance imaging]]), [[autopsy]] series and [[animal experiments]].<ref name="pmid16740411">{{cite journal |pages=458–61 |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2005.11.009 |title=MRI-determined regional brain iron concentrations in early- and late-onset restless legs syndrome |year=2006 |last1=Earley |first1=C |last2=Bbarker |first2=P |last3=Horska |first3=A |last4=Allen |first4=R |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=7 |issue=5 |pmid=16740411}}</ref> Differences in dopamine- and iron-related markers have also been demonstrated in the [[cerebrospinal fluid]] of individuals with RLS.<ref name="pmid18226951">{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2007.11.012 |title=Abnormally increased CSF 3-Ortho-methyldopa (3-OMD) in untreated restless legs syndrome (RLS) patients indicates more severe disease and possibly abnormally increased dopamine synthesis |year=2009 |last1=Allen |first1=Richard P. |last2=Connor |first2=James R. |last3=Hyland |first3=Keith |last4=Earley |first4=Christopher J. |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=10 |pages=123–128 |pmid=18226951 |issue=1 |pmc=2655320}}</ref> A connection between these two systems is demonstrated by the finding of low iron levels in the [[substantia nigra]] of RLS patients, although other areas may also be involved.<ref name="pmid18442125">{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/mds.22070 |title=Multiregional brain iron deficiency in restless legs syndrome |year=2008 |last1=Godau |first1=Jana |last2=Klose |first2=Uwe |last3=Di Santo |first3=Adriana |last4=Schweitzer |first4=Katherine |last5=Berg |first5=Daniela |journal=Movement Disorders |volume=23 |issue=8 |pages=1184–1187 |pmid=18442125}}</ref>


==Signs and symptoms==
===Associated medical conditions, medications and life style factors===
RLS sensations range from pain or an aching in the muscles, to "an itch you can't scratch", a "buzzing sensation", an unpleasant "tickle that won't stop", a "crawling" feeling, or limbs jerking while awake. The sensations typically begin or intensify during quiet wakefulness, such as when relaxing, reading, studying, or trying to sleep.<ref name=pmid14592341>{{cite journal |pages=101–19 |doi=10.1016/S1389-9457(03)00010-8 |title=Restless legs syndrome: diagnostic criteria, special considerations, and epidemiology A report from the restless legs syndrome diagnosis and epidemiology workshop at the National Institutes of Health |year=2003 |last1=Allen |first1=R |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=4 |issue=2 |pmid=14592341 |last2=Picchietti |first2=D |last3=Hening |first3=WA |last4=Trenkwalder |first4=C |last5=Walters |first5=AS |last6=Montplaisi |first6=J |author7=Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnosis Epidemiology workshop at the National Institutes of Health |author8=International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group}}</ref>
The most commonly associated medical condition is [[iron deficiency (medicine)|iron deficiency]] (specifically blood [[ferritin]] below 50&nbsp;µg/L<ref name="pmid10905782">{{cite journal |pmid=10905782 |year=2000 |title=Restless legs syndrome: detection and management in primary care. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Working Group on Restless Legs Syndrome |volume=62 |issue=1 |pages=108–14 |journal=American family physician}}</ref>), which accounts for 20% of all cases of RLS. A study published in 2007 noted that RLS features were observed in 34% of patients having iron deficiency as against 6% of controls.<ref name="pmid17368978">{{cite journal |pmid=17368978 |year= April 2007 |title=Rangarajan S, D'Souza GA. Restless legs syndrome in Indian patients having iron deficiency anemia in a tertiary care hospital |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=8 |issue=3 |pages=247–51 |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2006.10.004 |last1=Rangarajan |first1=S |last2=d'Souza |first2=GA}}</ref> Conversely, 75% of individuals with RLS symptoms may have increased iron stores. Other associated conditions include [[varicose vein]] or venous reflux, [[folate deficiency]], [[magnesium deficiency (medicine)|magnesium deficiency]], [[fibromyalgia]], [[sleep apnea]], [[uremia]], [[diabetes mellitus|diabetes]], [[thyroid disease]], [[peripheral neuropathy]], [[Parkinson's disease]] and certain [[auto-immune disorder]]s such as [[Sjögren's syndrome]], [[celiac disease]], and [[rheumatoid arthritis]]. RLS can also worsen in pregnancy.<ref name="pmid19592302">{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2009.04.005 |title=Pregnancy accounts for most of the gender difference in prevalence of familial RLS |year=2010 |last1=Pantaleo |first1=Nicholas P. |last2=Hening |first2=Wayne A. |last3=Allen |first3=Richard P. |last4=Earley |first4=Christopher J. |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=11 |issue=3 |pages=310–313 |pmid=19592302 |pmc=2830334}}</ref> In a 2007 study, RLS was detected in 36% of patients attending a [[phlebology]] (vein disease) clinic, compared to 18% in a control group.<ref name="phlebology">{{cite journal |pages=156–63 |doi=10.1258/026835507781477145 |title=Restless legs syndrome in patients with chronic venous disorders: an untold story |year=2007 |last1=McDonagh |first1=B |last2=King |first2=T |last3=Guptan |first3=R C |journal=Phlebology |volume=22 |issue=4 |pmid=18265529}}</ref>


It is a "[[Spectrum approach|spectrum disorder]]" with some people experiencing only a minor annoyance and others having major disruption of sleep and impairments in quality of life.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=807–15 |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2010.07.007 |title=Restless legs syndrome: Understanding its consequences and the need for better treatment |year=2010 |last1=Earley |first1=Christopher J. |last2=Silber |first2=Michael H. |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=11 |issue=9 |pmid=20817595}}</ref>
An association has been observed between [[ADHD]], and RLS or [[periodic limb movement disorder]]. Both conditions appear to have links to dysfunctions related to the [[neurotransmitter]] [[dopamine]], and common medications for both conditions among other systems, affect dopamine levels in the brain.<ref>[http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/other_disorders_associated_with_attention-deficit_disorder_000030_5.htm Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder—Other Disorders Associated with ADHD], University of Maryland Medical Center.</ref> A 2005 study suggested that up to 44% of ADHD sufferers had [[comorbid]] (i.e. coexisting) RLS, and up to 26% of RLS sufferers had confirmed ADHD or symptoms of the condition.<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16218085 Restless legs syndrome and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a review of the literature] 2005</ref> A 2009 study updated this to report that 39% of RLS sufferers also might have ADHD compared to 14% of [[Clinical control group|controls]] and that those showing signs of both had more severe RLS, suggesting that perhaps either the difficulties of RLS and low sleep quality caused ADHD-like distraction or that dopamine was a possible common factor and its improvement helped both, and that RLS sufferers might wish to consider ADHD testing as well, but cautioned that neither condition was proven as the cause of the other.<ref>helium.com/items/1511910-restless-leg-syndrome-and-adhd "The link between restless leg syndrome and ADD or ADHD" 2009</ref>


The sensations—and the need to move—may return immediately after ceasing movement or at a later time. RLS may start at any age, including childhood, and is a progressive disease for some, while the symptoms may remit in others.<ref name=":0">{{cite journal |pages=617–22 |doi=10.1001/archneurol.2010.67 |title=Family Study of Restless Legs Syndrome in Quebec, Canada: Clinical Characterization of 671 Familial Cases |year=2010 |last1=Xiong |first1=L. |last2=Montplaisir |first2=J. |last3=Desautels |first3=A. |last4=Barhdadi |first4=A. |last5=Turecki |first5=G. |last6=Levchenko |first6=A. |last7=Thibodeau |first7=P. |last8=Dubé |first8=M. P. |last9=Gaspar |first9=C. |journal=Archives of Neurology |volume=67 |issue=5 |pmid=20457962 |last10=Rouleau |first10=GA|doi-access=free }}</ref> In a survey among members of the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, it was found that up to 45% of patients had their first symptoms before the age of 20 years.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=92–5 |doi=10.1212/WNL.46.1.92 |title=A questionnaire study of 138 patients with restless legs syndrome: The 'Night-Walkers' survey |year=1996 |last1=Walters |first1=A. S. |last2=Hickey |first2=K. |last3=Maltzman |first3=J. |last4=Verrico |first4=T. |last5=Joseph |first5=D. |last6=Hening |first6=W. |last7=Wilson |first7=V. |last8=Chokroverty |first8=S. |journal=Neurology |volume=46 |pmid=8559428 |issue=1|s2cid=25278952 }}</ref>
Certain medications may cause or worsen RLS, or cause it secondarily, including:
* "An urge to move, usually due to uncomfortable sensations that occur primarily in the legs, but occasionally in the arms or elsewhere." The sensations are unusual and unlike other common sensations. Those with RLS have a hard time describing them, using words or phrases such as uncomfortable, painful, 'antsy', electrical, creeping, itching, [[Paresthesia|pins and needles]], pulling, crawling, buzzing, and numbness. It is sometimes described similar to a limb 'falling asleep' or an exaggerated sense of positional awareness of the affected area. The sensation and the urge can occur in any body part; the most cited location is legs, followed by arms. Some people have little or no sensation, yet still, have a strong urge to move.
* some [[antiemetic]]s (antidopaminergic ones)
* "Motor restlessness, expressed as activity, which relieves the urge to move." Movement usually brings immediate relief, although temporary and partial. Walking is most common; however, stretching, yoga, biking, or other physical activity may relieve the symptoms. Continuous, fast up-and-down movements of the leg, and/or rapidly moving the legs toward then away from each other, may keep sensations at bay without having to walk. Specific movements may be unique to each person.
* certain [[antihistamines]] (often in [[Over-the-counter drug|over-the-counter]] cold medications)
* "Worsening of symptoms by relaxation." Sitting or lying down (reading, plane ride, watching TV) can trigger the sensations and urge to move. Severity depends on the severity of the person's RLS, the degree of restfulness, duration of the inactivity, etc.
* many [[antidepressants]] (both older [[tricyclics|TCAs]] and newer [[SSRI]]s)<ref>{{cite journal |pages=70–5 |doi=10.1016/j.jpsychires.2008.02.006 |title=Restless legs syndrome as side effect of second generation antidepressants |year=2008 |last1=Rottach |first1=K |last2=Schaner |first2=B |last3=Kirch |first3=M |last4=Zivotofsky |first4=A |last5=Teufel |first5=L |last6=Gallwitz |first6=T |last7=Messer |first7=T |journal=Journal of Psychiatric Research |volume=43 |pmid=18468624 |issue=1}}</ref>
* "Variability over the course of the day-night cycle, with symptoms worse in the evening and early in the night." Some experience RLS only at bedtime, while others experience it throughout the day and night. Most people experience the worst symptoms in the evening and the least in the morning.
* [[antipsychotic]]s and certain [[anticonvulsant]]s.{{Citation needed|date=December 2011}}
* "Restless legs feel similar to the urge to yawn, situated in the legs or arms." These symptoms of RLS can make sleeping difficult for many patients and a 2005 National Sleep Foundation poll<ref name="chest">{{cite journal |last1=Phillips |first1=B. |last2=Hening |first2=W. |last3=Britz |first3=P. |title=Prevalence and correlates of restless legs syndrome: results from the 2005 National Sleep Foundation Poll |journal=Chest |date=2006 |volume=129 |issue=1 |pages=76–80 |doi=10.1378/chest.129.1.76|pmid=16424415 }}</ref> shows the presence of significant daytime difficulties resulting from this condition. These problems range from being late for work to missing work or events because of drowsiness. Patients with RLS who responded reported driving while drowsy more than patients without RLS. These daytime difficulties can translate into safety, social and economic issues for the patient and for society.
* a [[rebound effect]] of sedative-hypnotic drugs such as a [[benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome]] from discontinuing benzodiazepine tranquillizers or sleeping pills.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=19–28 |doi=10.1016/0740-5472(91)90023-4 |title=Protracted withdrawal syndromes from benzodiazepines |year=1991 |last1=Ashton |first1=H |journal=Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment |volume=8 |pmid=1675688 |issue=1–2}}</ref>
* [[Hypoglycemia]] has also been found to worsen RLS symptoms.<ref name="pmid9613772">{{cite journal |pages=619–20 |doi=10.1002/mds.870130349 |title=Postprandial (Reactive) hypoglycemia and restless leg syndrome: Related neurologic disorders? |year=2004 |last1=Kurlan |first1=Roger |journal=Movement Disorders |volume=13 |issue=3 |pmid=9613772}}</ref>
* Opioid detoxification has been associated with provocation of RLS-like symptoms during withdrawal (opiate withdrawal may also "trigger" the syndrome if the patient already has RLS).<ref>{{cite journal |pages=70–2 |doi=10.1055/s-2003-39047 |title=Transient Restless Legs-like Syndrome as a Complication of Opiate Withrawal |year=2003 |last1=Scherbaum |first1=N. |last2=Stüper |first2=B. |last3=Bonnet |first3=U. |last4=Gastpar |first4=M. |journal=Pharmacopsychiatry |volume=36 |issue=2 |pmid=12734764}}</ref>


RLS may contribute to higher rates of depression and anxiety disorders in RLS patients.<ref name=":2">{{cite journal |last1=Becker |first1=Philip M. |last2=Sharon |first2=Denise |title=Mood Disorders in Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) |journal=The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry |date=15 July 2014 |volume=75 |issue=7 |pages=e679–e694 |doi=10.4088/jcp.13r08692 |pmid=25093484 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
Both primary and secondary RLS can be worsened by surgery of any kind; however, back surgery or injury can be associated with causing RLS.<ref name="pmid15830971">{{cite journal |pages=69–70 |doi=10.1007/3-211-27458-8_15 |title=Advanced Peripheral Nerve Surgery and Minimal Invasive Spinal Surgery |year=2005 |last1=Crotti |first1=Francesco Maria |last2=Carai |first2=A. |last3=Carai |first3=M. |last4=Sgaramella |first4=E. |last5=Sias |first5=W. |volume=97 |chapter=Entrapment of crural branches of the common peroneal nerve |series=Acta Neurochirurgica |isbn=3-211-23368-7}}</ref>


===Primary and secondary forms===
Withdrawal from opiates can cause RLS at night{{citation needed|date=June 2012}} ranging in discomfort between a feeling of numbness in the muscle and/or bones to feelings of pain and burning, similar to that which can be noticed after exercise due to buildup of [[lactic acid]] in the muscles{{citation needed|date=June 2012}}. Some{{who|date=June 2012}} believe the movement and/or pain may itself cause a minor release of endorphins, helping one rest-albeit for short periods-by reducing adrenaline levels and inducing natural post exercise sedation{{citation needed|date=June 2012}}.
RLS is categorized as either primary or secondary.
* Primary RLS is considered [[idiopathy|idiopathic]] or with no known cause. Primary RLS usually begins slowly, before approximately 40–45 years of age and may disappear for months or even years. It is often progressive and gets worse with age.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restless legs syndrome |url=https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/brain-nerves-and-spinal-cord/restless-legs-syndrome/ |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=NHS inform |language=en-GB |archive-date=2023-11-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106200307/https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/brain-nerves-and-spinal-cord/restless-legs-syndrome/ |url-status=live }}</ref> RLS in children is often misdiagnosed as [[growing pains]].
* Secondary RLS often has a sudden onset after age 40, and may be daily from the beginning. It is most associated with specific medical conditions or the use of certain drugs (see below).


==Causes==
The cause vs. effect of certain conditions and behaviors observed in some patients (ex. excess weight, lack of exercise, depression or other mental illnesses) is not well established. Loss of sleep due to RLS could cause the conditions, or medication used to treat a condition could cause RLS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/545408_2|title=Exercise and Restless Legs Syndrome|accessdate=2008-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/10/051031132243.htm|title=Restless Legs Syndrome Linked To Psychiatric Conditions|accessdate=2008-05-28}}</ref>
While the cause is generally unknown, it is believed to be caused by changes in the neurotransmitter dopamine<ref name="St. Louis 2014">{{cite journal |last1=St. Louis |first1=E. K. |title=New evidence for reduced leg oxygen levels in restless legs syndrome |journal=Neurology |date=27 May 2014 |volume=82 |issue=21 |pages=e185–e187 |doi=10.1212/WNL.0000000000000513 |pmid=24862901 |s2cid=207107060 |doi-access=free }}</ref> resulting in an abnormal use of iron by the brain.<ref name=NINDS2019Fact/> RLS is often due to [[iron deficiency]] (low total body iron status)<ref name=NINDS2019Fact/> and could be a sign of anemia caused by internal bleeding or bone marrow issues. Other associated conditions may include [[end-stage kidney disease]] and [[hemodialysis]], [[folate deficiency]], [[magnesium deficiency (medicine)|magnesium deficiency]], [[sleep apnea]], [[diabetes mellitus|diabetes]], [[peripheral neuropathy]], [[Parkinson's disease]], and certain [[autoimmune disease]]s, such as [[multiple sclerosis]].<ref name="mlp2017">{{MedlinePlusEncyclopedia|000807|Restless legs syndrome}}</ref> RLS can worsen in pregnancy, possibly due to elevated [[estrogen]] levels.<ref name=NINDS2019Fact/><ref name="Gupta">{{cite journal |last1=Gupta |first1=R. |last2=Dhyani |first2=M. |last3=Kendzerska |first3=T. |last4=Pandi-Perumal |first4=S. R. |last5=BaHammam |first5=A. S. |last6=Srivanitchapoom |first6=P. |last7=Pandey |first7=S. |last8=Hallett |first8=M. |title=Restless legs syndrome and pregnancy: prevalence, possible pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment |journal=Acta Neurologica Scandinavica |date=May 2016 |volume=133 |issue=5 |pages=320–329 |doi=10.1111/ane.12520 |pmid=26482928 |pmc=5562408 }}</ref> Use of alcohol, [[nicotine]] products, and [[caffeine]] may be associated with RLS.<ref name=NINDS2019Fact/> A 2014 study from the American Academy of Neurology also found that reduced leg oxygen levels were strongly associated with restless legs syndrome symptom severity in untreated patients.<ref name="St. Louis 2014"/>

===ADHD===
An association has been observed between [[attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]] (ADHD) and RLS or [[periodic limb movement disorder]].<ref name=":6">{{cite journal|pmc=2603539|year=2008|last1=Walters|first1=A. S.|title=Review of the Possible Relationship and Hypothetical Links Between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the Simple Sleep Related Movement Disorders, Parasomnias, Hypersomnias, and Circadian Rhythm Disorders|journal=Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine|volume=4|issue=6|pages=591–600|last2=Silvestri|first2=R|last3=Zucconi|first3=M|last4=Chandrashekariah|first4=R|last5=Konofal|first5=E|pmid=19110891|doi=10.5664/jcsm.27356}}</ref> Both conditions appear to have links to dysfunctions related to the [[neurotransmitter]] [[dopamine]], and common medications for both conditions among other systems, affect dopamine levels in the brain.<ref name=":8">{{cite web |url=http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/other_disorders_associated_with_attention-deficit_disorder_000030_5.htm |title=Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – Other Disorders Associated with ADHD |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080507033957/http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/other_disorders_associated_with_attention-deficit_disorder_000030_5.htm |archive-date=2008-05-07 |website=University of Maryland Medical Center |year=2008 |access-date=27 October 2021}}</ref> A 2005 study suggested that up to 44% of people with ADHD had [[comorbid]] (i.e. coexisting) RLS, and up to 26% of people with RLS had confirmed ADHD or symptoms of the condition.<ref name=":9">{{cite journal |pmid=16218085 |year=2005 |last1=Cortese |first1=S |last2=Konofal |first2=E |last3=Lecendreux |first3=M |last4=Arnulf |first4=I |last5=Mouren |first5=MC |last6=Darra |first6=F |last7=Dalla Bernardina |first7=B |title=Restless legs syndrome and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A review of the literature |volume=28 |issue=8 |pages=1007–13 |journal=Sleep|doi=10.1093/sleep/28.8.1007 |doi-access= }}</ref>

===Medications===
Certain medications may cause or worsen RLS, or cause it secondarily, including:<ref name=NINDS2019Fact/>
* certain [[antiemetic]]s (antidopaminergic ones)<ref name="Buchfuhrer2012"/>
* certain [[antihistamines]] (especially the sedating, [[H1 antagonist#First-generation (non-selective, classical)|first generation H<sub>1</sub> antihistamines]] often in [[Over-the-counter drug|over-the-counter]] cold medications)<ref name="Buchfuhrer2012">{{cite journal|last1=Buchfuhrer|first1=MJ|title=Strategies for the treatment of restless legs syndrome|journal=Neurotherapeutics|date=October 2012|volume=9|issue=4|pages=776–90|doi=10.1007/s13311-012-0139-4|pmid=22923001|pmc=3480566|type=Review}}</ref>
* many [[antidepressants]] (both older [[tricyclics|TCAs]] and newer [[SSRI]]s)<ref name=NINDS2019Fact/><ref name="Buchfuhrer2012"/>
* [[Antipsychotic]]s.
* a [[rebound effect]] of sedative-hypnotic drugs such as a [[benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome]] from discontinuing benzodiazepine tranquilizers or sleeping pills<ref name=NINDS2019Fact/>
* [[alcohol withdrawal]] can also cause restless legs syndrome and other movement disorders such as [[akathisia]] and [[parkinsonism]] usually associated with antipsychotics<ref name=":10">{{cite journal |last1=Neiman |first1=J. |last2=Lang |first2=A. E. |last3=Fornazzari |first3=L. |last4=Carlen |first4=P. L. |title=Movement disorders in alcoholism: A review |journal=Neurology |date=May 1990 |volume=40 |issue=5 |pages=741–746 |doi=10.1212/wnl.40.5.741 |pmid=2098000 |s2cid=8940680 }}</ref>
* [[opioid withdrawal]] is associated with causing and worsening RLS<ref name="Trenkwalder17">{{cite journal |last1=Trenkwalder |first1=Claudia |last2=Zieglgänsberger |first2=Walter |last3=Ahmedzai |first3=Sam H. |last4=Högl |first4=Birgit |date=March 2017 |title=Pain, opioids, and sleep: implications for restless legs syndrome treatment |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=31 |pages=78–85 |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2016.09.017 |pmid=27964861}}</ref>

Both primary and secondary RLS can be worsened by surgery of any kind; however, back surgery or injury can be associated with causing RLS.<ref name="pmid15830971">{{cite book |pages=69–70 |doi=10.1007/3-211-27458-8_15 |pmid=15830971 |title=Advanced Peripheral Nerve Surgery and Minimal Invasive Spinal Surgery |year=2005 |last1=Crotti |first1=Francesco Maria |last2=Carai |first2=A. |last3=Carai |first3=M. |last4=Sgaramella |first4=E. |last5=Sias |first5=W. |volume=97 |chapter=Entrapment of crural branches of the common peroneal nerve |series=Acta Neurochirurgica |isbn=978-3-211-23368-9}}</ref>

The cause vs. effect of certain conditions and behaviors observed in some patients (ex. excess weight, lack of exercise, depression or other mental illnesses) is not well established. Loss of sleep due to RLS could cause the conditions, or medication used to treat a condition could cause RLS.<ref name=":11">{{cite journal |last1=Aukerman |first1=M. M. |last2=Aukerman |first2=D. |last3=Bayard |first3=M. |last4=Tudiver |first4=F. |last5=Thorp |first5=L. |last6=Bailey |first6=B. |title=Exercise and Restless Legs Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial |journal=The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine |date=1 September 2006 |volume=19 |issue=5 |pages=487–493 |doi=10.3122/jabfm.19.5.487 |pmid=16951298 |s2cid=34376834 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Phillips |first1=Barbara A. |last2=Britz |first2=Pat |last3=Hening |first3=Wayne |title=The NSF 2005 Sleep in American Poll and those at risk for RLS |journal=Chest |date=1 October 2005 |volume=128 |issue=4 |pages=133S |id={{Gale|A138392919}} {{ProQuest|200457669}} |doi=10.1378/chest.128.4_MeetingAbstracts.133S |doi-access=free }}</ref>


===Genetics===
===Genetics===
More than 60% of cases of RLS are familial<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=7701186 |year=1994 |last1=Lavigne |first1=GJ |last2=Montplaisir |first2=JY |title=Restless legs syndrome and sleep bruxism: prevalence and association among Canadians |volume=17 |issue=8 |pages=739–43 |journal=Sleep}}</ref> and are inherited in an [[autosomal dominant]] fashion with [[variable penetrance]].


No one knows the exact cause of RLS. Research and brain autopsies have implicated both dopaminergic system and iron insufficiency in the [[substantia nigra]] (study published in ''Neurology'', 2003).<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=12913188 |year=2003 |last1=Connor |first1=JR |last2=Boyer |first2=PJ |last3=Menzies |first3=SL |last4=Dellinger |first4=B |last5=Allen |first5=RP |last6=Ondo |first6=WG |last7=Earley |first7=CJ |title=Neuropathological examination suggests impaired brain iron acquisition in restless legs syndrome |volume=61 |issue=3 |pages=304–9 |journal=Neurology}}</ref> Iron is an essential cofactor for the formation of L-dopa, the precursor of dopamine.
More than 60% of cases of RLS are familial and are inherited in an [[autosomal dominant]] fashion with [[variable penetrance]].<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=7701186 |year=1994 |last1=Lavigne |first1=GJ |last2=Montplaisir |first2=JY |title=Restless legs syndrome and sleep bruxism: prevalence and association among Canadians |volume=17 |issue=8 |pages=739–43 |journal=Sleep}}</ref>


Research and brain autopsies have implicated both dopaminergic system and iron insufficiency in the [[substantia nigra]].<ref>{{cite journal |pages=304–9 |doi=10.1212/01.WNL.0000078887.16593.12 |title=Neuropathological examination suggests impaired brain iron acquisition in restless legs syndrome |year=2003 |last1=Connor |first1=J.R. |last2=Boyer |first2=P.J. |last3=Menzies |first3=S.L. |last4=Dellinger |first4=B. |last5=Allen |first5=R.P. |last6=Ondo |first6=W.G. |last7=Earley |first7=C.J. |journal=Neurology |volume=61 |issue=3 |pmid=12913188|s2cid=44703083 }}</ref> Iron is well understood to be an essential [[cofactor (biochemistry)|cofactor]] for the formation of [[L-dopa]], the precursor of dopamine.
Six genetic loci found by [[Genetic linkage|linkage]] are known and listed below. Other than the first one, the remainder of the linkage loci were discovered using an autosomal dominant model of inheritance.


Six genetic loci found by [[Genetic linkage|linkage]] are known and listed below. Other than the first one, all of the linkage loci were discovered using an autosomal dominant model of inheritance.
#The first genetic locus was discovered in one large [[French Canadian]] family and maps on [[chromosome]] 12q.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=1266–70 |doi=10.1086/324649 |title=Identification of a Major Susceptibility Locus for Restless Legs Syndrome on Chromosome 12q |year=2001 |last1=Desautels |first1=Alex |last2=Turecki |first2=Gustavo |last3=Montplaisir |first3=Jacques |last4=Sequeira |first4=Adolfo |last5=Verner |first5=Andrei |last6=Rouleau |first6=Guy A. |journal=The American Journal of Human Genetics |volume=69 |issue=6}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |pages=591–6 |doi=10.1001/archneur.62.4.591 |title=Restless Legs Syndrome: Confirmation of Linkage to Chromosome 12q, Genetic Heterogeneity, and Evidence of Complexity |year=2005 |last1=Desautels |first1=A. |journal=Archives of Neurology |volume=62 |issue=4 |pmid=15824258 |last2=Turecki |first2=G |last3=Montplaisir |first3=J |last4=Xiong |first4=L |last5=Walters |first5=AS |last6=Ehrenberg |first6=BL |last7=Brisebois |first7=K |last8=Desautels |first8=AK |last9=Gingras |first9=Y}}</ref> This locus was discovered, however, using an [[autosomal recessive]] inheritance model. Evidence for this locus was also found using a [[transmission disequilibrium test]] (TDT) in 12 [[Bavaria]]n families.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=28–33 |doi=10.1002/mds.20627 |title=Evidence for further genetic locus heterogeneity and confirmation of RLS-1 in restless legs syndrome |year=2006 |last1=Winkelmann |first1=Juliane |last2=Lichtner |first2=Peter |last3=Pütz |first3=Benno |last4=Trenkwalder |first4=Claudia |last5=Hauk |first5=Stephanie |last6=Meitinger |first6=Thomas |last7=Strom |first7=Tim |last8=Muller-Myhsok |first8=Bertram |journal=Movement Disorders |volume=21 |pmid=16124010 |issue=1}}</ref>
#The second RLS locus maps to chromosome 14q and was discovered in one [[Italians|Italian]] family.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=1485–92 |doi=10.1093/brain/awg137 |title=Autosomal dominant restless legs syndrome maps on chromosome 14q |year=2003 |last1=Bonati |first1=M. T. |journal=Brain |volume=126 |issue=6}}</ref> Evidence for this locus was found in one French Canadian family.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=887–91 |doi=10.1002/ana.20140 |title=The 14q restless legs syndrome locus in the French Canadian population |year=2004 |last1=Levchenko |first1=Anastasia |last2=Montplaisir |first2=Jacques-Yves |last3=Dub� |first3=Marie-Pierre |last4=Riviere |first4=Jean-Baptiste |last5=St-Onge |first5=Judith |last6=Turecki |first6=Gustavo |last7=Xiong |first7=Lan |last8=Thibodeau |first8=Pascale |last9=Desautels |first9=Alex |journal=Annals of Neurology |volume=55 |issue=6 |pmid=15174026}}</ref> Also, an [[Genetic association|association]] study in a large sample 159 trios of [[European ethnic groups|European]] descent showed some evidence for this locus.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=207–12 |doi=10.1002/mds.21254 |title=Family-based association study of the restless legs syndrome loci 2 and 3 in a European population |year=2007 |last1=Kemlink |first1=David |last2=Polo |first2=Olli |last3=Montagna |first3=Pasquale |last4=Provini |first4=Federica |last5=Stiasny-Kolster |first5=Karin |last6=Oertel |first6=Wolfgang |last7=De Weerd |first7=Al |last8=Nevsimalova |first8=Sona |last9=Sonka |first9=Karel |journal=Movement Disorders |volume=22 |issue=2 |pmid=17133505}}</ref>
* The first genetic locus was discovered in one large [[French Canadian]] family and maps to [[chromosome 12]]q.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=1266–70 |doi=10.1086/324649 |pmid=11704926 |pmc=1235538 |title=Identification of a Major Susceptibility Locus for Restless Legs Syndrome on Chromosome 12q |year=2001 |last1=Desautels |first1=Alex |last2=Turecki |first2=Gustavo |last3=Montplaisir |first3=Jacques |last4=Sequeira |first4=Adolfo |last5=Verner |first5=Andrei |last6=Rouleau |first6=Guy A. |journal=The American Journal of Human Genetics |volume=69 |issue=6}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |pages=591–6 |doi=10.1001/archneur.62.4.591 |title=Restless Legs Syndrome: Confirmation of Linkage to Chromosome 12q, Genetic Heterogeneity, and Evidence of Complexity |year=2005 |last1=Desautels |first1=A. |journal=Archives of Neurology |volume=62 |issue=4 |pmid=15824258 |last2=Turecki |first2=G |last3=Montplaisir |first3=J |last4=Xiong |first4=L |last5=Walters |first5=AS |last6=Ehrenberg |first6=BL |last7=Brisebois |first7=K |last8=Desautels |first8=AK |last9=Gingras |first9=Y |last10=Johnson |first10=WG |last11=Lugaresi |first11=E |last12=Coccagna |first12=G |last13=Picchietti |first13=DL |last14=Lazzarini |first14=A |last15=Rouleau |first15=GA|doi-access= }}</ref> This locus was discovered using an [[autosomal recessive]] inheritance model. Evidence for this locus was also found using a [[transmission disequilibrium test]] (TDT) in 12 [[Bavaria]]n families.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=28–33 |doi=10.1002/mds.20627 |title=Evidence for further genetic locus heterogeneity and confirmation of RLS-1 in restless legs syndrome |year=2006 |last1=Winkelmann |first1=Juliane |last2=Lichtner |first2=Peter |last3=Pütz |first3=Benno |last4=Trenkwalder |first4=Claudia |last5=Hauk |first5=Stephanie |last6=Meitinger |first6=Thomas |last7=Strom |first7=Tim |last8=Muller-Myhsok |first8=Bertram |journal=Movement Disorders |volume=21 |pmid=16124010 |issue=1|s2cid=25736900 }}</ref>
#This locus maps to chromosome 9p and was discovered in two unrelated [[United States|American]] families.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1086/420772 |title=Genomewide Linkage Scan Identifies a Novel Susceptibility Locus for Restless Legs Syndrome on Chromosome 9p |year=2004 |last1=Chen |first1=Shenghan |last2=Ondo |first2=William G. |last3=Rao |first3=Shaoqi |last4=Li |first4=Lin |last5=Chen |first5=Qiuyun |last6=Wang |first6=Qing |journal=The American Journal of Human Genetics |volume=74 |issue=5 |pages=876–885}}</ref> Evidence for this locus was also found by the TDT in a large Bavarian family,<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1212/01.wnl.0000224886.65213.b5 |title=RLS3: Fine-mapping of an autosomal dominant locus in a family with intrafamilial heterogeneity |year=2006 |last1=Liebetanz |first1=K. M. |journal=Neurology |volume=67 |issue=2 |pages=320–321 |pmid=16864828 |last2=Winkelmann |first2=J |last3=Trenkwalder |first3=C |last4=Pütz |first4=B |last5=Dichgans |first5=M |last6=Gasser |first6=T |last7=Müller-Myhsok |first7=B}}</ref> as well as in a [[Germany|German]] family, in which significant linkage to this locus was found.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1212/01.wnl.0000282760.07650.ba |title=Evidence for linkage of restless legs syndrome to chromosome 9p: Are there two distinct loci? |year=2008 |last1=Lohmann-Hedrich |first1=K. |last2=Neumann |first2=A. |last3=Kleensang |first3=A. |last4=Lohnau |first4=T. |last5=Muhle |first5=H. |last6=Djarmati |first6=A. |last7=Konig |first7=I. R. |last8=Pramstaller |first8=P. P. |last9=Schwinger |first9=E. |journal=Neurology |volume=70 |issue=9 |pages=686–694 |pmid=18032746}}</ref>
* The second RLS locus maps to chromosome 14q and was discovered in one [[Italians|Italian]] family.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=1485–92 |doi=10.1093/brain/awg137 |pmid=12764067 |title=Autosomal dominant restless legs syndrome maps on chromosome 14q |year=2003 |last1=Bonati |first1=M. T. |journal=Brain |volume=126 |issue=6|doi-access=free }}</ref> Evidence for this locus was found in one French Canadian family.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=887–91 |doi=10.1002/ana.20140 |title=The 14q restless legs syndrome locus in the French Canadian population |year=2004 |last1=Levchenko |first1=Anastasia |last2=Montplaisir |first2=Jacques-Yves |last3=Dubé |first3=Marie-Pierre |last4=Riviere |first4=Jean-Baptiste |last5=St-Onge |first5=Judith |last6=Turecki |first6=Gustavo |last7=Xiong |first7=Lan |last8=Thibodeau |first8=Pascale |last9=Desautels |first9=Alex |journal=Annals of Neurology |volume=55 |issue=6 |pmid=15174026 |last10=Verlaan |first10=Dominique J. |last11=Rouleau |first11=Guy A.|s2cid=31001901 }}</ref> Also, an [[Genetic association|association]] study in a large sample 159 trios of [[European ethnic groups|European]] descent showed some evidence for this locus.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=207–12 |doi=10.1002/mds.21254 |title=Family-based association study of the restless legs syndrome loci 2 and 3 in a European population |year=2007 |last1=Kemlink |first1=David |last2=Polo |first2=Olli |last3=Montagna |first3=Pasquale |last4=Provini |first4=Federica |last5=Stiasny-Kolster |first5=Karin |last6=Oertel |first6=Wolfgang |last7=De Weerd |first7=Al |last8=Nevsimalova |first8=Sona |last9=Sonka |first9=Karel |journal=Movement Disorders |volume=22 |issue=2 |pmid=17133505 |last10=Högl |first10=Birgit |last11=Frauscher |first11=Birgit |last12=Poewe |first12=Werner |last13=Trenkwalder |first13=Claudia |last14=Pramstaller |first14=Peter P. |last15=Ferini-Strambi |first15=Luigi |last16=Zucconi |first16=Marco |last17=Konofal |first17=Eric |last18=Arnulf |first18=Isabelle |last19=Hadjigeorgiou |first19=Georgios M. |last20=Happe |first20=Svenja |last21=Klein |first21=Christine |last22=Hiller |first22=Anja |last23=Lichtner |first23=Peter |last24=Meitinger |first24=Thomas |last25=Müller-Myshok |first25=Betram |last26=Winkelmann |first26=Juliane|s2cid=34801702 }}</ref>
#This locus maps to chromosome 20p and was discovered in a large French Canadian family with RLS.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1212/01.wnl.0000233991.20410.b6 |title=A novel autosomal dominant restless legs syndrome locus maps to chromosome 20p13 |year=2006 |last1=Levchenko |first1=A. |journal=Neurology |volume=67 |issue=5 |pages=900–901 |pmid=16966564 |last2=Provost |first2=S |last3=Montplaisir |first3=JY |last4=Xiong |first4=L |last5=St-Onge |first5=J |last6=Thibodeau |first6=P |last7=Rivière |first7=JB |last8=Desautels |first8=A |last9=Turecki |first9=G}}</ref>
* This locus maps to chromosome 9p and was discovered in two unrelated [[United States|American]] families.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1086/420772 |pmid=15077200 |pmc=1181982 |title=Genomewide Linkage Scan Identifies a Novel Susceptibility Locus for Restless Legs Syndrome on Chromosome 9p |year=2004 |last1=Chen |first1=Shenghan |last2=Ondo |first2=William G. |last3=Rao |first3=Shaoqi |last4=Li |first4=Lin |last5=Chen |first5=Qiuyun |last6=Wang |first6=Qing |journal=The American Journal of Human Genetics |volume=74 |issue=5 |pages=876–885}}</ref> Evidence for this locus was also found by the TDT in a large Bavarian family,<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1212/01.wnl.0000224886.65213.b5 |title=RLS3: Fine-mapping of an autosomal dominant locus in a family with intrafamilial heterogeneity |year=2006 |last1=Liebetanz |first1=K. M. |journal=Neurology |volume=67 |issue=2 |pages=320–321 |pmid=16864828 |last2=Winkelmann |first2=J |last3=Trenkwalder |first3=C |last4=Pütz |first4=B |last5=Dichgans |first5=M |last6=Gasser |first6=T |last7=Müller-Myhsok |first7=B|s2cid=20796797 }}</ref> in which significant linkage to this locus was found.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1212/01.wnl.0000282760.07650.ba |title=Evidence for linkage of restless legs syndrome to chromosome 9p: Are there two distinct loci? |year=2008 |last1=Lohmann-Hedrich |first1=K. |last2=Neumann |first2=A. |last3=Kleensang |first3=A. |last4=Lohnau |first4=T. |last5=Muhle |first5=H. |last6=Djarmati |first6=A. |last7=König |first7=I. R. |last8=Pramstaller |first8=P. P. |last9=Schwinger |first9=E. |journal=Neurology |volume=70 |issue=9 |pages=686–694 |pmid=18032746 |last10=Kramer |first10=P. L. |last11=Ziegler |first11=A. |last12=Stephani |first12=U. |last13=Klein |first13=C.|s2cid=24889954 }}</ref>
#This locus maps to chromosome 2p and was found in three related families from population isolated in [[South Tyrol]].<ref>{{cite journal |pages=716–23 |doi=10.1086/507875 |title=Linkage Analysis Identifies a Novel Locus for Restless Legs Syndrome on Chromosome 2q in a South Tyrolean Population Isolate |year=2006 |last1=Pichler |first1=Irene |last2=Marroni |first2=Fabio |last3=Beu Volpato |first3=Claudia |last4=Gusella |first4=James F. |last5=Klein |first5=Christine |last6=Casari |first6=Giorgio |last7=De Grandi |first7=Alessandro |last8=Pramstaller |first8=Peter P. |journal=The American Journal of Human Genetics |volume=79 |issue=4}}</ref>
* This locus maps to chromosome 20p and was discovered in a large French Canadian family with RLS.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1212/01.wnl.0000233991.20410.b6 |title=A novel autosomal dominant restless legs syndrome locus maps to chromosome 20p13 |year=2006 |last1=Levchenko |first1=A. |journal=Neurology |volume=67 |issue=5 |pages=900–901 |pmid=16966564 |last2=Provost |first2=S |last3=Montplaisir |first3=JY |last4=Xiong |first4=L |last5=St-Onge |first5=J |last6=Thibodeau |first6=P |last7=Rivière |first7=JB |last8=Desautels |first8=A |last9=Turecki |first9=G |last10=Dubé |first10=M. P. |last11=Rouleau |first11=G. A.|s2cid=20555259 }}</ref>
#The sixth locus is located on chromosome 16p12.1 and was discovered by Levchenko et al. in 2008.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/mds.22263 |title=Autosomal-dominant locus for restless legs syndrome in French-Canadians on chromosome 16p12.1 |year=2009 |last1=Levchenko |first1=Anastasia |last2=Montplaisir |first2=Jacques-Yves |last3=Asselin |first3=GéRaldine |last4=Provost |first4=Sylvie |last5=Girard |first5=Simon L. |last6=Xiong |first6=Lan |last7=Lemyre |first7=Emmanuelle |last8=St-Onge |first8=Judith |last9=Thibodeau |first9=Pascale |journal=Movement Disorders |volume=24 |pages=40–50 |pmid=18946881 |issue=1}}</ref>
* This locus maps to chromosome 2p and was found in three related families from population isolated in [[South Tyrol]].<ref>{{cite journal |pages=716–23 |doi=10.1086/507875 |title=Linkage Analysis Identifies a Novel Locus for Restless Legs Syndrome on Chromosome 2q in a South Tyrolean Population Isolate |year=2006 |last1=Pichler |first1=Irene |last2=Marroni |first2=Fabio |last3=Beu Volpato |first3=Claudia |last4=Gusella |first4=James F. |last5=Klein |first5=Christine |last6=Casari |first6=Giorgio |last7=De Grandi |first7=Alessandro |last8=Pramstaller |first8=Peter P. |journal=The American Journal of Human Genetics |volume=79 |issue=4 |pmid=16960808 |pmc=1592574}}</ref>
* The sixth locus is located on chromosome 16p12.1 and was discovered by Levchenko et al. in 2008.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/mds.22263 |title=Autosomal-dominant locus for restless legs syndrome in French-Canadians on chromosome 16p12.1 |year=2009 |last1=Levchenko |first1=Anastasia |last2=Montplaisir |first2=Jacques-Yves |last3=Asselin |first3=GéRaldine |last4=Provost |first4=Sylvie |last5=Girard |first5=Simon L. |last6=Xiong |first6=Lan |last7=Lemyre |first7=Emmanuelle |last8=St-Onge |first8=Judith |last9=Thibodeau |first9=Pascale |journal=Movement Disorders |volume=24 |pages=40–50 |pmid=18946881 |issue=1 |last10=Desautels |first10=Alex |last11=Turecki |first11=Gustavo |last12=Gaspar |first12=Claudia |last13=Dubé |first13=Marie-Pierre |last14=Rouleau |first14=Guy A.|s2cid=7796597 }}</ref>


Three genes, [[MEIS1]], [[BTBD9]] and [[MAP2K5]], were found to be associated to RLS.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=1000–6 |doi=10.1038/ng2099 |title=Genome-wide association study of restless legs syndrome identifies common variants in three genomic regions |year=2007 |last1=Winkelmann |first1=Juliane |last2=Schormair |first2=Barbara |last3=Lichtner |first3=Peter |last4=Ripke |first4=Stephan |last5=Xiong |first5=Lan |last6=Jalilzadeh |first6=Shapour |last7=Fulda |first7=Stephany |last8=Pütz |first8=Benno |last9=Eckstein |first9=Gertrud |journal=Nature Genetics |volume=39 |issue=8 |pmid=17637780}}</ref>
Three genes, [[MEIS1]], [[BTBD9]] and [[MAP2K5]], were found to be associated to RLS.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=1000–6 |doi=10.1038/ng2099 |title=Genome-wide association study of restless legs syndrome identifies common variants in three genomic regions |year=2007 |last1=Winkelmann |first1=Juliane |last2=Schormair |first2=Barbara |last3=Lichtner |first3=Peter |last4=Ripke |first4=Stephan |last5=Xiong |first5=Lan |last6=Jalilzadeh |first6=Shapour |last7=Fulda |first7=Stephany |last8=Pütz |first8=Benno |last9=Eckstein |first9=Gertrud |journal=Nature Genetics |volume=39 |issue=8 |pmid=17637780 |last10=Hauk |first10=Stephanie |last11=Trenkwalder |first11=Claudia |last12=Zimprich |first12=Alexander |last13=Stiasny-Kolster |first13=Karin |last14=Oertel |first14=Wolfgang |last15=Bachmann |first15=Cornelius G |last16=Paulus |first16=Walter |last17=Peglau |first17=Ines |last18=Eisensehr |first18=Ilonka |last19=Montplaisir |first19=Jacques |last20=Turecki |first20=Gustavo |last21=Rouleau |first21=Guy |last22=Gieger |first22=Christian |last23=Illig |first23=Thomas |last24=Wichmann |first24=H-Erich |last25=Holsboer |first25=Florian |last26=Müller-Myhsok |first26=Bertram |last27=Meitinger |first27=Thomas|s2cid=10606410 }}</ref>
Their role in RLS [[pathogenesis]] is still unclear. More recently, a fourth gene, [[PTPRD]] was found to be associated to RLS<ref>{{cite journal |pages=1069–75 |doi=10.1038/nature07423 |title=Somatic mutations affect key pathways in lung adenocarcinoma |year=2008 |last1=Ding |first1=Li |last2=Getz |first2=Gad |last3=Wheeler |first3=David A. |last4=Mardis |first4=Elaine R. |last5=McLellan |first5=Michael D. |last6=Cibulskis |first6=Kristian |last7=Sougnez |first7=Carrie |last8=Greulich |first8=Heidi |last9=Muzny |first9=Donna M. |journal=Nature |volume=455 |issue=7216 |pmid=18948947 |pmc=2694412}}</ref>
Their role in RLS [[pathogenesis]] is still unclear. More recently, a fourth gene, [[PTPRD]] was found to be associated with RLS.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=1069–75 |doi=10.1038/nature07423 |title=Somatic mutations affect key pathways in lung adenocarcinoma |year=2008 |last1=Ding |first1=Li |last2=Getz |first2=Gad |last3=Wheeler |first3=David A. |last4=Mardis |first4=Elaine R. |last5=McLellan |first5=Michael D. |last6=Cibulskis |first6=Kristian |last7=Sougnez |first7=Carrie |last8=Greulich |first8=Heidi |last9=Muzny |first9=Donna M. |journal=Nature |volume=455 |issue=7216 |pmid=18948947 |pmc=2694412 |last10=Morgan |first10=Margaret B. |last11=Fulton |first11=Lucinda |last12=Fulton |first12=Robert S. |last13=Zhang |first13=Qunyuan |last14=Wendl |first14=Michael C. |last15=Lawrence |first15=Michael S. |last16=Larson |first16=David E. |last17=Chen |first17=Ken |last18=Dooling |first18=David J. |last19=Sabo |first19=Aniko |last20=Hawes |first20=Alicia C. |last21=Shen |first21=Hua |last22=Jhangiani |first22=Shalini N. |last23=Lewis |first23=Lora R. |last24=Hall |first24=Otis |last25=Zhu |first25=Yiming |last26=Mathew |first26=Tittu |last27=Ren |first27=Yanru |last28=Yao |first28=Jiqiang |last29=Scherer |first29=Steven E. |last30=Clerc |first30=Kerstin |bibcode=2008Natur.455.1069D }}</ref>


There is also some evidence that [[periodic limb movements in sleep]] (PLMS) are associated with {{Gene|BTBD9}} on chromosome 6p21.2.<ref name="pmid17634447">{{cite journal |pages=639–47 |doi=10.1056/NEJMoa072743 |title=A Genetic Risk Factor for Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep |year=2007 |last1=Stefansson |first1=Hreinn |last2=Rye |first2=David B. |last3=Hicks |first3=Andrew |last4=Petursson |first4=Hjorvar |last5=Ingason |first5=Andres |last6=Thorgeirsson |first6=Thorgeir E. |last7=Palsson |first7=Stefan |last8=Sigmundsson |first8=Thordur |last9=Sigurdsson |first9=Albert P. |journal=New England Journal of Medicine |volume=357 |issue=7 |pmid=17634447}}</ref> The presence of a positive family history suggests that there may be a genetic involvement in the etiology of RLS.
There is also some evidence that [[periodic limb movements in sleep]] (PLMS) are associated with {{Gene|BTBD9}} on chromosome 6p21.2,<ref name="pmid17634447">{{cite journal |last1=Stefansson |first1=Hreinn |last2=Rye |first2=David B. |last3=Hicks |first3=Andrew |last4=Petursson |first4=Hjorvar |last5=Ingason |first5=Andres |last6=Thorgeirsson |first6=Thorgeir E. |last7=Palsson |first7=Stefan |last8=Sigmundsson |first8=Thordur |last9=Sigurdsson |first9=Albert P. |last10=Eiriksdottir |first10=Ingibjorg |last11=Soebech |first11=Emilia |last12=Bliwise |first12=Donald |last13=Beck |first13=Joseph M. |last14=Rosen |first14=Ami |last15=Waddy |first15=Salina |last16=Trotti |first16=Lynn M. |last17=Iranzo |first17=Alex |last18=Thambisetty |first18=Madhav |last19=Hardarson |first19=Gudmundur A. |last20=Kristjansson |first20=Kristleifur |last21=Gudmundsson |first21=Larus J. |last22=Thorsteinsdottir |first22=Unnur |last23=Kong |first23=Augustine |last24=Gulcher |first24=Jeffrey R. |last25=Gudbjartsson |first25=Daniel |last26=Stefansson |first26=Kari |title=A Genetic Risk Factor for Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep |journal=New England Journal of Medicine |date=16 August 2007 |volume=357 |issue=7 |pages=639–647 |doi=10.1056/NEJMoa072743 |pmid=17634447 |s2cid=44726156 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="moore2014">{{cite journal |doi=10.5665/sleep.4006 |pmid=25142570 |title=Periodic leg movements during sleep are associated with polymorphisms in BTBD9, TOX3/BC034767, MEIS1, MAP2K5/SKOR1, and PTPRD |last1=Moore |first1=H |last2=Winkelmann |first2=J |last3=Lin |first3=L |last4=Finn |first4=L |last5=Peppard |first5=P |last6=Mignot |first6=E |journal=Sleep |year=2014 |volume=37 |issue=9 |pages=1535–1542|pmc=4153066 }}</ref> MEIS1, MAP2K5/SKOR1, and PTPRD.<ref name="moore2014"/> The presence of a positive family history suggests that there may be a genetic involvement in the etiology of RLS.

==Mechanism==
Although it is only partly understood, [[pathophysiology]] of restless legs syndrome may involve [[dopamine]] and [[Human iron metabolism|iron system]] anomalies.<ref name="pmid15222997">{{cite journal |last1=Allen |first1=Richard |title=Dopamine and iron in the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome (RLS) |journal=Sleep Medicine |date=July 2004 |volume=5 |issue=4 |pages=385–391 |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2004.01.012 |pmid=15222997 }}</ref><ref name="pmid16832090">{{cite journal |last1=Clemens |first1=S. |last2=Rye |first2=D. |last3=Hochman |first3=S. |title=Restless legs syndrome: Revisiting the dopamine hypothesis from the spinal cord perspective |journal=Neurology |date=11 July 2006 |volume=67 |issue=1 |pages=125–130 |doi=10.1212/01.wnl.0000223316.53428.c9 |pmid=16832090 |s2cid=40963114 }}</ref> There is also a commonly acknowledged [[circadian rhythm]] explanatory mechanism associated with it, clinically shown simply by [[biomarker]]s of circadian rhythm, such as [[body temperature]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Barrière |first1=G. |last2=Cazalets |first2=J.R. |last3=Bioulac |first3=B. |last4=Tison |first4=F. |last5=Ghorayeb |first5=I. |title=The restless legs syndrome |journal=Progress in Neurobiology |date=October 2005 |volume=77 |issue=3 |pages=139–165 |doi=10.1016/j.pneurobio.2005.10.007 |pmid=16300874 |s2cid=9327680 }}</ref> The interactions between impaired neuronal iron uptake and the functions of the [[neuromelanin]]-containing and dopamine-producing cells have roles in RLS development, indicating that [[iron deficiency]] might affect the brain dopaminergic transmissions in different ways.<ref name=":3">{{cite journal |last1=Dauvilliers |first1=Yves |last2=Winkelmann |first2=Juliane |title=Restless legs syndrome: update on pathogenesis |journal=Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine |date=November 2013 |volume=19 |issue=6 |pages=594–600 |doi=10.1097/MCP.0b013e328365ab07 |pmid=24048084 |s2cid=20370566 }}</ref>

Medial [[thalamic nucleus|thalamic nuclei]] may also have a role in RLS as part as the [[limbic system]] modulated by the [[dopaminergic system]]<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Klein |first1=Marianne O. |last2=Battagello |first2=Daniella S. |last3=Cardoso |first3=Ariel R. |last4=Hauser |first4=David N. |last5=Bittencourt |first5=Jackson C. |last6=Correa |first6=Ricardo G. |title=Dopamine: Functions, Signaling, and Association with Neurological Diseases |journal=Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology |date=January 2019 |volume=39 |issue=1 |pages=31–59 |doi=10.1007/s10571-018-0632-3 |pmid=30446950 |s2cid=53567202 }}</ref> which may affect pain perception.<ref name=":4">{{cite journal |last1=Garcia-Borreguero |first1=Diego |last2=Williams |first2=Anne-Marie |title=An update on restless legs syndrome (Willis-Ekbom disease): clinical features, pathogenesis and treatment |journal=Current Opinion in Neurology |date=August 2014 |volume=27 |issue=4 |pages=493–501 |doi=10.1097/WCO.0000000000000117 |pmid=24978636 }}</ref> Improvement of RLS symptoms occurs in people receiving low-dose [[dopamine agonist]]s.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Paulus |first1=Walter |last2=Trenkwalder |first2=Claudia |title=Less is more: pathophysiology of dopaminergic-therapy-related augmentation in restless legs syndrome |journal=The Lancet Neurology |date=October 2006 |volume=5 |issue=10 |pages=878–886 |doi=10.1016/S1474-4422(06)70576-2 |pmid=16987735 |s2cid=43111931 }}</ref>


==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
There are no specific tests for RLS but non-specific laboratory tests are used to rule out other causes such as vitamin deficiencies. According to the [[National Institutes of Health]]'s [[National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke]], there are four symptoms that are used to confirm the diagnosis.<ref>{{cite web|title=Restless Legs Syndrome Factsheet|url=http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm|publisher=National Institutes of Health|accessdate=November 15, 2011}}</ref>
There are no specific tests for RLS, but non-specific laboratory tests are used to rule out other causes such as vitamin deficiencies. Five symptoms are used to confirm the diagnosis:<ref name=NINDS2019Fact/>
* A strong urge to move the limbs, usually associated with unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations.
* It starts or worsens during inactivity or rest.
* It improves or disappears (at least temporarily) with activity.
* It worsens in the evening or night.
* These symptoms are not caused by any medical or behavioral condition.


The symptoms below are not essential, like the ones above, but occur commonly in RLS patients:<ref name=NINDS2019Fact/><ref>{{Citation|last1=Allen|first1=Richard P.|title=Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movements During Sleep|date=2017|work=Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine|pages=923–934.e6|publisher=Elsevier|isbn=9780323242882|last2=Montplaisir|first2=Jacques|last3=Walters|first3=Arthur Scott|last4=Ferini-Strambi|first4=Luigi|last5=Högl|first5=Birgit|doi=10.1016/b978-0-323-24288-2.00095-7}}</ref>
*The symptoms are more severe at night and do not occur, or are negligible in the morning (although in extreme cases, symptoms may occur in the daytime)
* genetic component or family history with RLS
*An irresistible urge to move the legs and/or arms, often associated with a sensation of pain, burning, pricking, tingling, or numbness or other unpleasant and unusual sensations
* good response to dopaminergic therapy
*The sensations begin following relaxation or a period of staying still and during sleep
* periodic leg movements during day or sleep
*Temporary relief from these sensations during movement of the affected legs and/or arms
* most strongly affected are people who are middle-aged or older
* other sleep disturbances are experienced
* decreased iron stores can be a risk factor and should be assessed


According to the [[International Classification of Sleep Disorders]] (ICSD-3), the main symptoms have to be associated with a sleep disturbance or impairment in order to support RLS diagnosis.<ref name=ICSD2014>{{cite journal |last1=Sateia |first1=Michael J |title=International Classification of Sleep Disorders-Third Edition |journal=Chest |date=November 2014 |volume=146 |issue=5 |pages=1387–1394 |doi=10.1378/chest.14-0970 |pmid=25367475}}</ref> As stated by this classification, RLS symptoms should begin or worsen when being inactive, be relieved when moving, should happen exclusively or mostly in the evening and at night, not be triggered by other medical or behavioral conditions, and should impair one's quality of life.<ref name=ICSD2014/><ref name=Breen2018>{{cite journal |last1=Breen |first1=DP |last2=Högl |first2=B |last3=Fasano |first3=A |last4=Trenkwalder |first4=C |last5=Lang |first5=AE |title=Sleep-related motor and behavioral disorders: Recent advances and new entities. |journal=Movement Disorders |date=July 2018 |volume=33 |issue=7 |pages=1042–1055 |doi=10.1002/mds.27375 |pmid=29756278|s2cid=21672153 }}</ref> Generally, both legs are affected, but in some cases there is an asymmetry.
==Prevention ==
Other than preventing the underlying causes, generally no method of preventing RLS has been established or studied. If RLS is due to specific treatable causes (specific medications or treatable conditions) then treatment of those causes may also remove or reduce RLS. Otherwise medical responses focus on treating the condition, either [[Symptomatic treatment|symptomatically]] or by treatments which do not target the primary cause of RLS, but instead target lifestyle changes and bodily processes capable of modifying the expression or severity of RLS.{{citation needed|date=September 2012}}


===Differential diagnosis===
==Treatment==
The most common conditions that should be differentiated with RLS include leg cramps, positional discomfort, local leg injury, arthritis, leg [[edema]], [[venous stasis]], peripheral [[neuropathy]], [[radiculopathy]], habitual foot tapping/leg rocking, [[anxiety]], [[myalgia]], and drug-induced [[akathisia]].<ref name=":5">{{cite journal |last1=Allen |first1=Richard P. |last2=Picchietti |first2=Daniel L. |last3=Garcia-Borreguero |first3=Diego |last4=Ondo |first4=William G. |last5=Walters |first5=Arthur S. |last6=Winkelman |first6=John W. |last7=Zucconi |first7=Marco |last8=Ferri |first8=Raffaele |last9=Trenkwalder |first9=Claudia |last10=Lee |first10=Hochang B. |title=Restless legs syndrome/Willis–Ekbom disease diagnostic criteria: updated International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) consensus criteria – history, rationale, description, and significance |journal=Sleep Medicine |date=August 2014 |volume=15 |issue=8 |pages=860–873 |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2014.03.025 |pmid=25023924 |url=https://publications.goettingen-research-online.de/bitstream/2/32750/2/1-s2.0-S1389945714001907-main.pdf |access-date=2022-04-09 }}</ref>
Treatment of restless legs syndrome involves identifying the cause of symptoms when possible. The treatment process is designed to reduce symptoms, including decreasing the number of nights with RLS symptoms, the severity of RLS symptoms and nighttime awakenings. Improving the quality of life is another goal in treatment. This means improving overall quality of life, decreasing daytime somnolence, and improving the quality of sleep. Pharmacologic treatment involves [[dopamine agonists]] or [[gabapentin enacarbil]] as first line drugs for daily restless legs syndrome; and [[opioids]] for treatment of resistant cases.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=294–301 |doi=10.1097/NRL.0b013e3181422589 |title=Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movements During Sleep: Diagnosis and Treatment |year=2007 |last1=Karatas |first1=Mehmet |journal=The Neurologist |volume=13 |issue=5 |pmid=17848868}}</ref>


[[Peripheral artery disease]] and [[arthritis]] can also cause leg pain but this usually gets worse with movement.<ref name=NIH2010Sym/>
An algorithm created by [[Mayo Clinic]] researchers and endorsed by the RLS Foundation, provides guidance to the treating physician and patient, including non pharmacological and pharmacological treatments.<ref name="MayoAlgo">{{cite journal |pages=916–22 |doi=10.4065/​79.7.916}}</ref> Treatment of primary RLS should not be considered until possible precipitating medical conditions are ruled out, especially venous disorders. RLS Drug therapy is not curative and has side effects such as [[nausea]], [[dizziness]], [[hallucinations]], [[orthostatic hypotension]] and daytime sleep attacks.


There are less common differential diagnostic conditions included [[myelopathy]], [[myopathy]], vascular or neurogenic [[claudication]], [[hypotensive]] [[akathisia]], [[orthostatic tremor]], painful legs, and [[moving toes]].<ref name=":5" />
Secondary RLS may be cured if precipitating medical conditions (anemia, venous disorder) are managed effectively. Secondary conditions causing RLS include [[Iron deficiency (medicine)|iron deficiency]], [[varicose veins]], and [[thyroid]] problems. Karl-Axel Ekbom in his 1945 doctoral thesis on RLS suspected venous disease in about 12.5% of cases. But due to the unavailability of Doppler ultrasound imaging technology (the diagnostic tool detecting abnormal blood flow in the veins, "Venous Reflux", the pathological basis for varicose veins) at that time, Ekbom may have underestimated the role of venous disease. In uncontrolled prospective series, improvement of RLS was achieved in a high percentage of patients presenting with a combination of RLS and venous disease and had sclerotherapy or other treatment for the correction of venous insufficiency.<ref name="pmid18467618">{{cite journal |pages=112–7 |doi=10.1258/phleb.2007.007051 |title=The effect of endovenous laser ablation on restless legs syndrome |year=2008 |last1=Hayes |first1=C A |last2=Kingsley |first2=J R |last3=Hamby |first3=K R |last4=Carlow |first4=J |journal=Phlebology |volume=23 |issue=3 |pmid=18467618}}</ref><ref name="pmid7728485">{{cite journal |pmid=7728485 |year=1995 |last1=Kanter |first1=AH |title=The effect of sclerotherapy on restless legs syndrome |volume=21 |issue=4 |pages=328–32 |journal=Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] |doi=10.1016/1076-0512(94)00094-7}}</ref> In Nonpharmacologic treatments there are ways patients may be able to reduce the symptoms or decrease the severity of the symptoms. One thing that may worsen the symptoms is fatigue. Therefore using relaxation techniques, soaking in a warm bath or massaging the legs can all help aid in relaxation and relief of symptoms. Another technique is avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Also exercising every day and maintaining a schedule of relaxation and avoiding heavy meals before bed will all help with relief of symptoms. These techniques can be used with medication or just by themselves for those who do not want medication. For symptoms that occur in the evening patients may find that activities that alert the mind like crossword puzzles, and video games may reduce symptoms. Many patients may also benefit from RLS support groups.{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}}


==Treatment==
===Stretching, shaking legs and other methods of relief===
If RLS is not linked to an underlying cause, its frequency may be reduced by lifestyle modifications such as adopting improving [[sleep hygiene]], regular exercise, and [[smoking cessation|stopping smoking]].<ref name=nhs>{{cite web |publisher=National Health Service |title=Restless legs syndrome—Treatment |url=https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/treatment/ |date=6 August 2018 |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-date=15 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515162300/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/treatment/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Medications used may include [[dopamine agonist]]s and [[gabapentinoid]]s in those with daily restless legs syndrome.<ref name=NINDS2019Fact/><ref name=Trenkwalder17/><ref name="pmid27448465" /><ref name="pmid34218864">{{cite journal | vauthors = Silber MH, Buchfuhrer MJ, Earley CJ, Koo BB, Manconi M, Winkelman JW | title = The Management of Restless Legs Syndrome: An Updated Algorithm | journal = Mayo Clin Proc | volume = 96 | issue = 7 | pages = 1921–1937 | date = July 2021 | pmid = 34218864 | doi = 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.12.026 | s2cid = 235733578 | url = | doi-access = free }}</ref> In severe or refractory cases, [[opioid]]s have been used.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restless Legs Syndrome {{!}} Baylor Medicine |url=https://www.bcm.edu/healthcare/specialties/neurology/parkinsons-disease-and-movement-disorders/restless-legs-syndrome |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=www.bcm.edu |language=en |archive-date=2023-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105232250/https://www.bcm.edu/healthcare/specialties/neurology/parkinsons-disease-and-movement-disorders/restless-legs-syndrome |url-status=live }}</ref>
Stretching the leg muscles can bring temporary relief.<ref name=pmid14592341/><ref name=pmid11435804>{{cite journal |pmid=11435804 |year=2001 |last1=Allen |first1=RP |last2=Earley |first2=CJ |title=Restless legs syndrome: a review of clinical and pathophysiologic features |volume=18 |issue=2 |pages=128–47 |journal=Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology}}</ref>
Walking and moving the legs, as the name 'Restless Legs' implies, brings temporary relief. In fact, those suffering from RLS often have an almost uncontrollable need to walk and therefore relieve the symptoms while they are moving. Unfortunately the symptoms usually immediately return as soon as the moving and walking ceases. Hot or cold showers have also been known to relieve symptoms. {{Citation needed|date=December 2010}} Another relief found by some is lying on one's front on the floor for a period of around half an hour.<ref>Sexual intercourse and masturbation: Potential relief factors for restless legs syndrome? Luis F. Marin, André C. Felicio, Gilmar F. Prado. Sleep medicine 1 April 2011 (volume 12 issue 4 Page 422 {{doi|10.1016/j.sleep.2011.01.001}}</ref>


Treatment of RLS should not be considered until possible medical causes are ruled out. Secondary RLS may be cured if precipitating medical conditions ([[anemia]]) are managed effectively.<ref name=NINDS2019Fact/>
Monochromatic near-infrared light treatment has also been shown to decrease symptoms associated with RLS. A study showed that there was a steady decrease in symptoms associated with RLS over the 4 weeks in the treatment group. After 4 weeks of treatment, the treatment group had a significantly greater improvement in RLS symptoms than the control group.<ref>{{cite web|title=Restless legs syndrome and near-infrared light: An alternative treatment option.|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20977377|accessdate=February 8, 2012}}</ref>


===Iron supplements===
===Physical measures===
Stretching the leg muscles can bring temporary relief.<ref name=pmid14592341/><ref name=pmid11435804>{{cite journal |pages=128–47 |doi=10.1097/00004691-200103000-00004 |title=Restless Legs Syndrome |year=2001 |last1=Allen |first1=Richard P. |last2=Earley |first2=Christopher J. |journal=Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology |volume=18 |issue=2 |pmid=11435804|s2cid=34082653 }}</ref> Walking and moving the legs, as the name "restless legs" implies, brings temporary relief. In fact, those with RLS often have an almost uncontrollable need to walk and therefore relieve the symptoms while they are moving. Unfortunately, the symptoms usually return immediately after the moving and walking ceases.
According to some guidelines,<ref name="MayoAlgo"/><ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1186/1471-2377-11-28 |title=Algorithms for the diagnosis and treatment of restless legs syndrome in primary care |year=2011 |last1=Garcia-Borreguero |first1=Diego |last2=Stillman |first2=Paul |last3=Benes |first3=Heike |last4=Buschmann |first4=Heiner |last5=Chaudhuri |first5=K Ray |last6=Gonzalez Rodríguez |first6=Victor M |last7=Högl |first7=Birgit |last8=Kohnen |first8=Ralf |last9=Monti |first9=Giorgio |journal=BMC Neurology |volume=11 |pages=28 |pmid=21352569 |pmc=3056753}}</ref> all people with RLS should have their serum [[ferritin]] level tested. The ferritin level, a measure of the body's iron stores, should be at least 50&nbsp;µg/L (or ng/mL, an equivalent unit) for those with RLS. Oral iron supplements, taken under a doctor's care, can increase ferritin levels. For some people, increasing ferritin will eliminate or reduce RLS symptoms. A ferritin level of 50&nbsp;µg/L is not sufficient for some sufferers and increasing the level to 80&nbsp;µg/L may further reduce symptoms. However, at least 40% of people will not notice any improvement. Treatment with IV iron is being tested at the US [[Mayo Clinic]] and [[Johns Hopkins Hospital]]. It is dangerous to take iron supplements without first having ferritin levels tested, as many people with RLS do not have low ferritin and taking iron when it is not called for can cause [[iron overload disorder]], potentially a very dangerous condition.<ref name="pmid17516455">{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/mds.21545 |title=State of the art in restless legs syndrome therapy: Practice recommendations for treating restless legs syndrome |year=2007 |last1=Oertel |first1=Wolfgang H. |last2=Trenkwalder |first2=Claudia |last3=Zucconi |first3=Marco |last4=Benes |first4=Heike |last5=Borreguero |first5=Diego Garcia |last6=Bassetti |first6=Claudio |last7=Partinen |first7=Markku |last8=Ferini-Strambi |first8=Luigi |last9=Stiasny-Kolster |first9=Karin |journal=Movement Disorders |volume=22 |pages=S466–S475 |pmid=17516455}}</ref>


Counter-stimulation from massage, a hot or cold compress, or a vibratory counter-stimulation device has been found to help some people with primary RLS to improve their sleep.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Pacheco |first1=Danielle |last2=Wright |first2=Heather |date=2023-05-05 |title=Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) |url=https://www.sleepfoundation.org/restless-legs-syndrome/treatment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606212009/https://www.sleepfoundation.org/restless-legs-syndrome/treatment |archive-date=2023-06-06 |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=Sleep Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Regulation Name: Vibratory counter-stimulation device|first=Jonette|last=Foy|url=http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf10/k102873.pdf|publisher=Food and Drug Administration|access-date=17 October 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024141227/http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf10/k102873.pdf|archive-date=24 October 2014}}</ref>
===Pharmaceuticals===
For those whose RLS disrupts or prevents sleep or regular daily activities, medication may be required. Many doctors currently use, and the [[Mayo Clinic]] [[algorithm]] includes,<ref name="MayoAlgo" /> medication from four categories {{citation needed|five categories are listed below|date=November 2011}}


===Iron===
#[[Dopamine agonist]]s such as [[ropinirole]], [[pramipexole]], [[carbidopa]]/[[levodopa]] or [[pergolide]]. [[Ropinirole]] (Requip) was first approved In 2005 by the [[US Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) to treat moderate to severe Restless Legs Syndrome. The drug was first approved for [[Parkinson's disease]] in 1997. [[Pramipexole]] (Mirapex, Sifrol, Mirapexen in the EU) received a positive recommendation by the EU Scientific Committee in February 2006. The FDA approved Mirapex for sale in the US in 2006. [[Rotigotine]] (Neupro), which is delivered by a [[transdermal patch]] was approved by the FDA in May 2007 for early stage Parkinson's disease; it is not yet approved for RLS in the US. The Neupro patch has been withdrawn from the US market due to problems with the medication delivery system. [[Rotigotine]] (Neupro), was approved for sale in the EU in 2007 for not only advanced stage Parkinson's disease but also for RLS. There are, however, issues with the use of dopamine agonists. Dopamine agonists have caused augmentation. This is a medical condition where the drug itself causes symptoms to increase in severity and/or occur earlier in the day. Dopamine agonists may also cause rebound, when symptoms increase as the drug wears off. In many cases, the longer dopamine agonists are used the higher the risk of augmentation and rebound as well as the severity of the symptoms. Also, a recent study indicated that dopamine agonists used in restless leg patients can lead to an increase in [[compulsive gambling]].<ref>[http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2007-rst/3918.html "Medical Therapy for Restless Legs Syndrome may Trigger Compulsive Gambling", Mayo Clinic in Rochester, February 08, 2007]</ref> Dopamine agonists are used as a treatment because RLS symptoms coincide with that of dopamine levels, with the majority of symptoms occurring late at night when dopamine levels are at their lowest.{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}}
There is some evidence that intravenous iron supplementation moderately improves restlessness for people with RLS.<ref name=iron>{{cite journal |last1=Trotti |first1=Lynn M |last2=Becker |first2=Lorne A |title=Iron for the treatment of restless legs syndrome |journal=Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |date=4 January 2019 |volume=2019 |issue=1 |pages=CD007834 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD007834.pub3 |pmid=30609006 |pmc=6353229 |type=Systematic review }}</ref>
#[[Gabapentin enacarbil]], a non-dopaminergic treatment for moderate to severe primary RLS was approved by the FDA in April 2011.
#[[Opioid]]s, particularly [[methadone]], are particularly effective treatments for the symptoms of severe RLS and do not have the negative side-effects (augmentation and rebounding) of dopamine agonists.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=1449–54 |doi=10.1503/cmaj.070335 |title=Sleep and aging: 2. Management of sleep disorders in older people |year=2007 |last1=Wolkove |first1=N. |last2=Elkholy |first2=O. |last3=Baltzan |first3=M. |last4=Palayew |first4=M. |journal=Canadian Medical Association Journal |volume=176 |issue=10 |pmid=17485699 |pmc=1863539}}</ref>
#[[Benzodiazepine]]s, such as [[diazepam]], which often in addition to symptom relief assist in staying asleep and reducing awakenings from the movements
#[[Anticonvulsant]]s, such as [[carbamazepine]], help people who experience the RLS sensations as painful.<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=3510520 |year=1986 |last1=Fox |first1=GN |title=Restless legs syndrome |volume=33 |issue=1 |pages=147–52 |journal=American family physician}}</ref>


===Medications===
Recently, several major pharmaceutical companies are reported to be marketing drugs without an explicit approval for RLS, which are "[[off-label]]" applications for drugs approved for other diseases. The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation<ref>* [http://www.rls.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=471&srcid=-2 RLS Foundation]</ref> received 44% of its $1.4 million in funding from these pharmaceutical groups.<ref>[http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/mg19225755.100-patient-groups-special-swallowing-the-best-advice.html Marshall, Jessica, and Peter Aldhous. "Patient Groups Special." New Scientist, 10/26/06]</ref>
For those whose RLS disrupts or prevents sleep or regular daily activities, medication may be useful. Evidence supports the use of [[dopamine agonist]]s including [[pramipexole]], [[ropinirole]], [[rotigotine]], [[cabergoline]], and [[pergolide]].<ref name="pmid27448465" /><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Zintzaras |first1=Elias |last2=Kitsios |first2=Georgios D. |last3=Papathanasiou |first3=Afroditi A. |last4=Konitsiotis |first4=Spiros |last5=Miligkos |first5=Michael |last6=Rodopoulou |first6=Paraskevi |last7=Hadjigeorgiou |first7=George M. |title=Randomized trials of dopamine agonists in restless legs syndrome: A systematic review, quality assessment, and meta-analysis |journal=Clinical Therapeutics |date=February 2010 |volume=32 |issue=2 |pages=221–237 |doi=10.1016/j.clinthera.2010.01.028 |pmid=20206780 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Winkelman |first1=John W. |last2=Armstrong |first2=Melissa J. |last3=Allen |first3=Richard P. |last4=Chaudhuri |first4=K. Ray |last5=Ondo |first5=William |last6=Trenkwalder |first6=Claudia |last7=Zee |first7=Phyllis C. |last8=Gronseth |first8=Gary S. |last9=Gloss |first9=David |last10=Zesiewicz |first10=Theresa |title=Practice guideline summary: Treatment of restless legs syndrome in adults: Table: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology |journal=Neurology |date=13 December 2016 |volume=87 |issue=24 |pages=2585–2593 |doi=10.1212/wnl.0000000000003388 |pmid=27856776 |pmc=5206998 }}</ref> They reduce symptoms, improve sleep quality and quality of life.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Scholz |first1=Hanna |last2=Trenkwalder |first2=Claudia |last3=Kohnen |first3=Ralf |last4=Kriston |first4=Levente |last5=Riemann |first5=Dieter |last6=Hornyak |first6=Magdolna |title=Dopamine agonists for the treatment of restless legs syndrome |journal=Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |date=15 March 2011 |volume=2011 |issue=5 |pages=CD006009 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD006009.pub2 |pmid=21412893 |pmc=8908466 }}</ref> [[L-DOPA|Levodopa]] is also effective.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Scholz |first1=Hanna |last2=Trenkwalder |first2=Claudia |last3=Kohnen |first3=Ralf |last4=Kriston |first4=Levente |last5=Riemann |first5=Dieter |last6=Hornyak |first6=Magdolna |title=Levodopa for the treatment of restless legs syndrome |journal=Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |date=15 February 2011 |volume=2011 |issue=5 |pages=CD005504 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD005504.pub2 |pmid=21328278 |s2cid=196338172 |pmc=8889887 }}</ref> However, [[pergolide]] and cabergoline are less recommended due to their association with increased risk of valvular heart disease.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Zanettini |first1=Renzo |last2=Antonini |first2=Angelo |last3=Gatto |first3=Gemma |last4=Gentile |first4=Rosa |last5=Tesei |first5=Silvana |last6=Pezzoli |first6=Gianni |title=Valvular Heart Disease and the Use of Dopamine Agonists for Parkinson's Disease |journal=New England Journal of Medicine |date=4 January 2007 |volume=356 |issue=1 |pages=39–46 |doi=10.1056/NEJMoa054830 |pmid=17202454 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Ropinirole has a faster onset with shorter duration.<ref name=":7">{{cite journal |last1=Mackie |first1=Susan |last2=Winkelman |first2=John W. |title=Long-Term Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): An Approach to Management of Worsening Symptoms, Loss of Efficacy, and Augmentation |journal=CNS Drugs |date=May 2015 |volume=29 |issue=5 |pages=351–357 |doi=10.1007/s40263-015-0250-2 |pmid=26045290 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Rotigotine is commonly used as a transdermal patch which continuously provides stable plasma drug concentrations, resulting in its particular therapeutic effect on patients with symptoms throughout the day.<ref name=":7" /> A 2008 meta-analysis{{update inline|date=September 2019}} found pramipexole to be better than ropinirole.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Quilici |first1=S. |last2=Abrams |first2=K.R. |last3=Nicolas |first3=A. |last4=Martin |first4=M. |last5=Petit |first5=C. |last6=LLeu |first6=P.-L. |last7=Finnern |first7=H.W. |title=Meta-analysis of the efficacy and tolerability of pramipexole versus ropinirole in the treatment of restless legs syndrome |journal=Sleep Medicine |date=October 2008 |volume=9 |issue=7 |pages=715–726 |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2007.11.020 |pmid=18226947 }}</ref>


There are, however, issues with the use of dopamine agonists including augmentation. This is a medical condition where the drug itself causes symptoms to increase in severity and/or occur earlier in the day. Dopamine agonists may also cause rebound when symptoms increase as the drug wears off. In many cases, the longer dopamine agonists have been used, the higher the risk of augmentation and rebound as well as the severity of the symptoms. Patients may also develop [[dopamine dysregulation syndrome]], meaning that they can experience an addictive pattern of dopamine replacement therapy. A 2007 study indicated that dopamine agonists used in restless legs syndrome can lead to an increase in [[compulsive gambling]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Tippmann-Peikert |first1=M. |last2=Park |first2=J. G. |last3=Boeve |first3=B. F. |last4=Shepard |first4=J. W. |last5=Silber |first5=M. H. |year=2007 |title=Pathologic gambling in patients with restless legs syndrome treated with dopaminergic agonists |journal=Neurology |volume=68 |issue=4 |pages=301–3 |doi=10.1212/01.wnl.0000252368.25106.b6 |pmid=17242339 |s2cid=26183000}}</ref> Patients may also exhibit other impulse-control disorders such as [[compulsive shopping]] and compulsive eating.<ref name="Aurora Kristo Bista Rowley et al 2012">{{cite journal |last1=Aurora |first1=R. Nisha |last2=Kristo |first2=David A. |last3=Bista |first3=Sabin R. |last4=Rowley |first4=James A. |last5=Zak |first5=Rochelle S. |last6=Casey |first6=Kenneth R. |last7=Lamm |first7=Carin I. |last8=Tracy |first8=Sharon L. |last9=Rosenberg |first9=Richard S. |date=August 2012 |title=The Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder in Adults—An Update for 2012: Practice Parameters with an Evidence-Based Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses |journal=Sleep |volume=35 |issue=8 |pages=1039–1062 |doi=10.5665/sleep.1988 |pmc=3397811 |pmid=22851801}}</ref> There are some indications that stopping the dopamine agonist treatment has an impact on the resolution or at least improvement of the impulse-control disorder, even though some people can be particularly exposed to dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome.<ref name="Aurora Kristo Bista Rowley et al 2012" />
[[Cannabis (drug)|Cannabis]] may help people who experience RLS sensations to fall asleep much faster than normal, eliminate nausea caused from medication, and relieve pain. Although still restricted by the Federal Government, many states do consider RLS a medical condition for Medical Marijuana.&nbsp; (There is a pill form called [[Tetrahydrocannabinol]], eliminating the primary health hazards such as smoking.)


[[Gabapentinoid]]s (α<sub>2</sub>δ ligands), including [[gabapentin]], [[pregabalin]], and [[gabapentin enacarbil]], are also widely used in the treatment of RLS.<ref name="pmid27448465" /><ref name="pmid34764852" /> They are used as [[first-line treatment]]s similarly to dopamine agonists, and as of 2019, guidelines have started to recommend gabapentinoids over dopamine agonists as initial therapy for RLS due to higher known risks of symptom augmentation with long-term dopamine agonist therapy.<ref name="pmid31229171" /> Gabapentin enacarbil is approved by regulatory authorities for the treatment of RLS, whereas gabapentin and pregabalin are used [[off-label use|off-label]].<ref name="pmid27448465" /> Data on gabapentinoids in the treatment of RLS are more limited compared to dopamine agonists.<ref name="pmid36692194">{{cite journal | vauthors = Riccardi S, Ferri R, Garbazza C, Miano S, Manconi M | title = Pharmacological responsiveness of periodic limb movements in patients with restless legs syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis | journal = J Clin Sleep Med | volume = 19 | issue = 4 | pages = 811–822 | date = April 2023 | pmid = 36692194 | doi = 10.5664/jcsm.10440 | pmc = 10071388 | url = }}</ref> However, based on available evidence, gabapentinoids are similarly effective to [[dopamine agonist]]s in the treatment of RLS.<ref name="pmid31229171">{{cite book | vauthors = Wanner V, Garcia Malo C, Romero S, Cano-Pumarega I, García-Borreguero D | title = Pharmacology of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) | chapter = Non-dopaminergic vs. dopaminergic treatment options in restless legs syndrome | series = Adv Pharmacol | volume = 84 | pages = 187–205 | date = 2019 | pmid = 31229171 | doi = 10.1016/bs.apha.2019.02.003 | isbn = 9780128167588 | s2cid = 88409441 | chapter-url = }}</ref><ref name="pmid28888061">{{cite journal | vauthors = Iftikhar IH, Alghothani L, Trotti LM | title = Gabapentin enacarbil, pregabalin and rotigotine are equally effective in restless legs syndrome: a comparative meta-analysis | journal = Eur J Neurol | volume = 24 | issue = 12 | pages = 1446–1456 | date = December 2017 | pmid = 28888061 | doi = 10.1111/ene.13449 | s2cid = 22262972 | url = }}</ref><ref name="pmid34764852">{{cite journal | vauthors = Zhou X, Du J, Liang Y, Dai C, Zhao L, Liu X, Tan C, Mo L, Chen L | title = The Efficacy and Safety of Pharmacological Treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome: Systemic Review and Network Meta-Analysis | journal = Front Neurosci | volume = 15 | issue = | pages = 751643 | date = 2021 | pmid = 34764852 | pmc = 8576256 | doi = 10.3389/fnins.2021.751643 | url = | doi-access = free }}</ref>
[[Quinine]] is frequently used [[off label]] to treat RLS, but is not recommended by the FDA due to its risk of serious [[hematological]] side effects.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm218424.htm |title=Qualaquin (quinine sulfate): New Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy - Risk of serious hematological reactions |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>


Both the 2021 algorithm for the treatment of RLS published by members of the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board of the RLS Foundation in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings,<ref name=":2" /> and the 2024 American Academy of Sleep Medicine Practice Guidelines<ref name=":6" /> recommend the use of low-dose opioids for the treatment of refractory RLS, with the caveat that, although opioids are highly effective, “reasonable precautions should be taken in light of the opioid epidemic.<ref name=":0" />" Among the opioids and their suggested doses are tramadol, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone (all of which are schedule II), and buprenorphine (a schedule III partial opioid-receptor agonist with a lower risk of causing respiratory depression or dependence, compared with the full-agonist opioids.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" /> The only data publicly available on the use of buprenorphine in the treatment of RLS are two posters presented at the 2019 and 2023 Associated Professional Sleep Society’s meetings. In the first, Forbes et al<ref name=":8" /> presented preliminary open-label data from five men and two women, with an average age of 68 years, who had experienced RLS symptoms for a mean of 30+ years and been treated for 10+ years using a mean of nine drugs. Severity of both RLS and insomnia decreased significantly according to the [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14592343/ IRLSSG Rating Scale] scores and Insomnia Severity Index (31.1 ± 6.7 at baseline to 4 ± 8 and 19.8 ± 6.1 to 1.3 ± 1.9, respectively). In the second study, Berkowsi<ref name=":11" /> and colleagues presented data from a retrospective study of 55 patients who had been started on buprenorphine for the treatment of severe RLS. Mean IRLSSG severity scores decreased from 27.8 at baseline to 11.4 at 1 year and allowed most of those patients on dopamine receptor agonists who had developed augmentation to discontinue the dopamine receptor agonists.
====Ropinirole vs. pramipexole====
A [[meta-analysis]] published November 2007 combined previous 6-12 week long placebo-controlled studies done for [[ropinirole]] which was the first medication to receive Food and Drug Administration approved labeling for use in RLS and [[pramipexole]] to indirectly compare adverse reactions and efficacy. It found that while both drugs had the same efficacy, pramipexole had significantly lower incidences of nausea, vomiting and dizziness. This led the authors to conclude "differences in efficacy and tolerability favouring pramipexole over ropinirole can be observed."<ref name=ropinVSprami>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2007.11.020 |title=Meta-analysis of the efficacy and tolerability of pramipexole versus ropinirole in the treatment of restless legs syndrome |year=2008 |last1=Quilici |first1=S |last2=Abrams |first2=K |last3=Nicolas |first3=A |last4=Martin |first4=M |last5=Petit |first5=C |last6=Lleu |first6=P |last7=Finnern |first7=H |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=9 |issue=7 |pages=715–726 |pmid=18226947}}</ref>


[[Benzodiazepine]]s, such as [[diazepam]] or [[clonazepam]], are not generally recommended,<ref name="trenk">{{cite journal |last1=Trenkwalder |first1=Claudia |last2=Winkelmann |first2=Juliane |last3=Inoue |first3=Yuichi |last4=Paulus |first4=Walter |title=Restless legs syndrome—current therapies and management of augmentation |journal=Nature Reviews Neurology |date=August 2015 |volume=11 |issue=8 |pages=434–445 |doi=10.1038/nrneurol.2015.122 |pmid=26215616 |s2cid=22534190 }}</ref> and their effectiveness is unknown or contradictory.<ref name="pmid28319266">{{cite journal |vauthors=Carlos K, Prado GF, Teixeira CD, Conti C, de Oliveira MM, Prado LB, Carvalho LB |title=Benzodiazepines for restless legs syndrome |journal=Cochrane Database Syst Rev |volume=2017 |pages=CD006939 |year=2017 |issue=3 |pmid=28319266 |pmc=6464545 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD006939.pub2 }}</ref><ref name="pmid36692194" /> They, however, are sometimes still used as a second-line treatment,<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Garcia-Borreguero |first1=Diego |last2=Stillman |first2=Paul |last3=Benes |first3=Heike |last4=Buschmann |first4=Heiner |last5=Chaudhuri |first5=K Ray |last6=Gonzalez Rodríguez |first6=Victor M |last7=Högl |first7=Birgit |last8=Kohnen |first8=Ralf |last9=Monti |first9=Giorgio Carlo |last10=Stiasny-Kolster |first10=Karin |last11=Trenkwalder |first11=Claudia |last12=Williams |first12=Anne-Marie |last13=Zucconi |first13=Marco |title=Algorithms for the diagnosis and treatment of restless legs syndrome in primary care |journal=BMC Neurology |date=December 2011 |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=28 |doi=10.1186/1471-2377-11-28 |pmid=21352569 |pmc=3056753 |doi-access=free }}</ref> as add-on agents.<ref name="pmid28319266" /> Other treatments have also been explored, such as [[valproate]], [[carbamazepine]], [[perampanel]], and [[dipyridamole]], but are either not effective or have insufficient data to support their use.<ref name="pmid36692194"/>
====Vitamins C & E and their combination====

In a randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial by Sagheb, et al., vitamins C, E and their combination were found to be effective in the treatment of RLS in hemodialysis patients compared to the placebo. Moreover, these medications were found to be safe and without major side effects.<ref name="">[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389945712000081 Sagheb MM, Dormanesh B, Fallahzadeh MK, et al. Efficacy of vitamins C, E, and their combination for treatment of restless legs syndrome in hemodialysis patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Sleep Medicine. 2012 May;13(5):542-5. Epub 2012 Feb 7.].</ref>
===Placebo===
[[Placebo]]s provide a large benefit in terms of reduction of RLS symptoms.<ref name="pmid17932100">{{cite journal | vauthors = Fulda S, Wetter TC | title = Where dopamine meets opioids: a meta-analysis of the placebo effect in restless legs syndrome treatment studies | journal = Brain | volume = 131 | issue = Pt 4 | pages = 902–17 | date = April 2008 | pmid = 17932100 | doi = 10.1093/brain/awm244 | url = | doi-access = free | citeseerx = 10.1.1.602.8032 }}</ref> This is thought to be due to positive expectancy effects and conditioning, which activate dopamine and opioid pathways in the brain.<ref name="pmid17932100" /> Both dopamine agonists and opioids are used in and effective for the treatment of RLS, which is thought to be related to the effectiveness of placebos for the condition.<ref name="pmid17932100" /> More than half of the benefit of RLS medications such as pramipexole and gabapentin enacarbil appears to be due to the placebo component based on clinical trial data.<ref name="MirapexLabel">{{cite web |title=HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION |url=https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020667s036lbl.pdf |quote=-INDICATIONS AND USAGE- MIRAPEX is a non-ergot dopamine agonist indicated for the treatment of: • Parkinson’s disease (PD) • Moderate-to-severe primary Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) |website=www.accessdata.fda.gov |access-date=14 November 2023 |archive-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105220955/https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020667s036lbl.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="HorizantLabel">{{cite web |title=HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION |quote=INDICATIONS AND USAGE -HORIZANT is indicated for: • treatment of moderate-to-severe primary Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in adults. • management of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults |url=https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022399s011lbl.pdf |website=www.accessdata.fda.gov |access-date=14 November 2023 |archive-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105220955/https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022399s011lbl.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
RLS symptoms may gradually worsen with age, though more slowly for those with the idiopathic form of RLS than for patients who also suffer from an associated medical condition. Nevertheless, current therapies can control the disorder, minimizing symptoms and increasing periods of restful sleep. In addition, some patients have remissions, periods in which symptoms decrease or disappear for days, weeks, or months, although symptoms usually eventually reappear. Being diagnosed with RLS does not indicate or foreshadow another neurological disease.
RLS symptoms may gradually worsen with age, although more slowly for those with the [[idiopathic]] form of RLS than for people who also have an associated medical condition.<ref name=factsheet>{{cite web|title=Restless Legs Syndrome Factsheet|url=http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm|publisher=National Institutes of Health|access-date=January 13, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104184122/http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm|archive-date=January 4, 2015}}</ref> Current therapies can control the disorder, minimizing symptoms and increasing periods of restful sleep. In addition, some people have remissions, periods in which symptoms decrease or disappear for days, weeks, or months, although symptoms usually eventually reappear.<ref name=factsheet/> Being diagnosed with RLS does not indicate or foreshadow another neurological disease, such as [[Parkinson's disease]].<ref name=factsheet/> RLS symptoms can worsen over time when [[dopamine]]-related drugs are used for therapy, an effect called augmentation which may represent symptoms occurring throughout the day and affect movements of all limbs.<ref name=factsheet/> There is no cure for RLS.<ref name=factsheet/>


==Epidemiology==
==Epidemiology==
Claims about the prevalence of restless legs syndrome can be confusing because its severity and frequency varies enormously between individual sufferers. RLS affects an estimated 7% to 10% of the general population in North America and Europe.<ref name="ChestReview2006">{{cite journal |pages=1596–604 |doi=10.1378/chest.130.5.1596 |title=Restless Legs Syndrome: A Clinical Update |year=2006 |last1=Gamaldo |first1=C. E. |last2=Earley |first2=C. J. |journal=Chest |volume=130 |issue=5 |pmid=17099042}}</ref><ref name="allen2005">{{cite journal |pages=1286–92 |doi=10.1001/archinte.165.11.1286 |title=Restless Legs Syndrome Prevalence and Impact: REST General Population Study |year=2005 |last1=Allen |first1=R. P. |journal=Archives of Internal Medicine |volume=165 |issue=11 |pmid=15956009 |last2=Walters |first2=AS |last3=Montplaisir |first3=J |last4=Hening |first4=W |last5=Myers |first5=A |last6=Bell |first6=TJ |last7=Ferini-Strambi |first7=L}}</ref><ref name="Bruneck">{{cite journal |pages=815–20 |doi=10.1016/S1474-4422(05)70226-X |title=Prevalence of movement disorders in men and women aged 50–89 years (Bruneck Study cohort): a population-based study |year=2005 |last1=Wenning |first1=Gregor K |last2=Kiechl |first2=Stefan |last3=Seppi |first3=Klaus |last4=Müller |first4=Joerg |last5=Högl |first5=Birgit |last6=Saletu |first6=Michael |last7=Rungger |first7=Gregor |last8=Gasperi |first8=Arno |last9=Willeit |first9=Johann |journal=The Lancet Neurology |volume=4 |issue=12}}</ref> A minority of sufferers (around 2.7% of the population) experience daily or severe symptoms.<ref name="allen2005"/> RLS is twice as common in women as in men,<ref name="pmid14744844">{{cite journal |pages=196–202 |doi=10.1001/archinte.164.2.196 |title=Sex and the Risk of Restless Legs Syndrome in the General Population |year=2004 |last1=Berger |first1=K. |journal=Archives of Internal Medicine |volume=164 |issue=2 |pmid=14744844 |last2=Luedemann |first2=J |last3=Trenkwalder |first3=C |last4=John |first4=U |last5=Kessler |first5=C}}</ref> and Caucasians are more prone to RLS than people of African descent.<ref name="ChestReview2006"/> RLS occurs in 3% of individuals from the Mediterranean or Middle Eastern region, and in 1-5% of those from the Far East, indicating that different genetic or environmental factors, including diet, may play a role in the prevalence of this syndrome.<ref name="ChestReview2006"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sleepfoundation.org/site/c.huIXKjM0IxF/b.2417141/k.C60C/Welcome.htm |title=Welcome - National Sleep Foundation |accessdate=2007-07-23 |work=}}</ref> With age, RLS becomes more common, and RLS diagnosed at an older age runs a more severe course.<ref name=pmid11435804/>
RLS affects an estimated 2.5–15% of the American population.<ref name=AFP2013/><ref name="ChestReview2006">{{cite journal |pages=1596–604 |doi=10.1378/chest.130.5.1596 |title=Restless Legs Syndrome: A Clinical Update |year=2006 |last1=Gamaldo |first1=C. E. |last2=Earley |first2=C. J. |journal=Chest |volume=130 |issue=5 |pmid=17099042}}</ref> A minority (around 2.7% of the population) experience daily or severe symptoms.<ref name="allen2005">{{cite journal |pages=1286–92 |doi=10.1001/archinte.165.11.1286 |title=Restless Legs Syndrome Prevalence and Impact: REST General Population Study |year=2005 |last1=Allen |first1=R. P. |journal=Archives of Internal Medicine |volume=165 |issue=11 |pmid=15956009 |last2=Walters |first2=AS |last3=Montplaisir |first3=J |last4=Hening |first4=W |last5=Myers |first5=A |last6=Bell |first6=TJ |last7=Ferini-Strambi |first7=L|doi-access=free |url=https://www.openaccessrepository.it/record/210876/files/fulltext.pdf }}</ref> RLS is twice as common in women as in men,<ref name="pmid14744844">{{cite journal |pages=196–202 |doi=10.1001/archinte.164.2.196 |title=Sex and the Risk of Restless Legs Syndrome in the General Population |year=2004 |last1=Berger |first1=K. |journal=Archives of Internal Medicine |volume=164 |issue=2 |pmid=14744844 |last2=Luedemann |first2=J |last3=Trenkwalder |first3=C |last4=John |first4=U |last5=Kessler |first5=C|doi-access= }}</ref> and Caucasians are more prone to RLS than people of African descent.<ref name="ChestReview2006"/> RLS occurs in 3% of individuals from the [[Mediterranean Basin|Mediterranean]] or [[Middle East]]ern regions, and in 1–5% of those from [[East Asia]], indicating that different genetic or environmental factors, including diet, may play a role in the prevalence of this syndrome.<ref name="ChestReview2006"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sleepfoundation.org/site/c.huIXKjM0IxF/b.2417141/k.C60C/Welcome.htm |title=Welcome National Sleep Foundation |access-date=2007-07-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070728075246/http://www.sleepfoundation.org/site/c.huIXKjM0IxF/b.2417141/k.C60C/Welcome.htm |archive-date=2007-07-28 }}</ref> RLS diagnosed at an older age runs a more severe course.<ref name=pmid11435804/> RLS is even more common in individuals with [[iron deficiency]], pregnancy, or end-stage [[kidney disease]].<ref name="pmid11445024">{{cite journal |pages=335–41 |doi=10.1089/152460901750269652 |pmid=11445024 |title=Restless Legs Syndrome and Sleep Disturbance during Pregnancy: The Role of Folate and Iron |year=2001 |last1=Lee |first1=Kathryn A. |last2=Zaffke |first2=Mary Ellen |last3=Baratte-Beebe |first3=Kathleen |journal=Journal of Women's Health & Gender-Based Medicine |volume=10 |issue=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Trenkwalder |first1=C |last2=Allen |first2=R |last3=Högl |first3=B |last4=Paulus |first4=W |last5=Winkelmann |first5=J |title=Restless legs syndrome associated with major diseases: A systematic review and new concept. |journal=Neurology |date=5 April 2016 |volume=86 |issue=14 |pages=1336–1343 |doi=10.1212/WNL.0000000000002542 |pmid=26944272|pmc=4826337 }}</ref> The [[National Sleep Foundation]]'s 1998 ''Sleep in America'' poll showed that up to 25 percent of pregnant women developed RLS during the third trimester.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sleeping By Trimesters: 3rd Trimester |url-status=dead |url=http://www.sleepfoundation.org/site/c.huIXKjM0IxF/b.2419237/k.83BF/Sleeping_By_Trimesters_3rd_Trimester.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070508193831/http://www.sleepfoundation.org/site/c.huIXKjM0IxF/b.2419237/k.83BF/Sleeping_By_Trimesters_3rd_Trimester.htm |archive-date=2007-05-08 |website=[[National Sleep Foundation]]}}</ref> Poor general health is also linked.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Yeh |first1=Paul |last2=Walters |first2=Arthur S. |last3=Tsuang |first3=John W. |title=Restless legs syndrome: a comprehensive overview on its epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment |journal=Sleep and Breathing |date=December 2012 |volume=16 |issue=4 |pages=987–1007 |doi=10.1007/s11325-011-0606-x |pmid=22038683 |s2cid=24079411 }}</ref>


There are several risk factors for RLS, including old age, family history, and [[uremia]]. The prevalence of RLS tends to increase with age, as well as its severity and longer duration of symptoms. People with uremia receiving [[renal dialysis]] have a prevalence from 20% to 57%, while those having [[kidney transplant]] improve compared to those treated with dialysis.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Hening|first1=Wayne|last2=Allen|first2=Richard|last3=Earley|first3=Christopher|last4=Kushida|first4=Clete|last5=Picchietti|first5=Daniel|last6=Silber|first6=Michael|title=The Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder|journal=Sleep|doi=10.1093/sleep/22.7.970|year=1999|doi-access=free}}</ref>
RLS is even more common in individuals with iron deficiency, pregnancy and end-stage renal disease.<ref name="pmid11445024">{{cite journal |pages=335–41 |doi=10.1089/152460901750269652 |title=Restless Legs Syndrome and Sleep Disturbance during Pregnancy: The Role of Folate and Iron |year=2001 |last1=Lee |first1=Kathryn A. |last2=Zaffke |first2=Mary Ellen |last3=Baratte-Beebe |first3=Kathleen |journal=Journal of Women's Health & Gender-Based Medicine |volume=10 |issue=4}}</ref><ref name="pmid16144846">{{cite journal |pages=184–90 |doi=10.1093/ndt/gfi144 |title=Sleep disorders in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis therapy |year=2005 |last1=Merlino |first1=G. |journal=Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation |volume=21}}</ref> Neurologic conditions linked to RLS include [[Parkinson disease]], [[spinal cerebellar atrophy]], [[spinal stenosis]],{{specify|date=March 2011}} lumbosacral [[radiculopathy]] and [[Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease]] type 2.<ref name="ChestReview2006"/> Approximately 80–90% of people with RLS also have [[Nocturnal myoclonus|periodic limb movement disorder]] (PLMD), which causes slow "jerks" or flexions of the affected body part. These occur during sleep (PLMS = periodic limb movement while sleeping) or while awake (PLMW—periodic limb movement while waking).


RLS can occur at all ages, although it typically begins in the third or fourth decade.<ref name=Breen2018/>
The [[National Sleep Foundation]]'s 1998 ''Sleep in America'' poll showed that up to 25 percent of [[pregnant]] women developed RLS during the third trimester.<ref>[http://www.sleepfoundation.org/site/c.huIXKjM0IxF/b.2419237/k.83BF/Sleeping_By_Trimesters_3rd_Trimester.htm Sleep in America Poll]. [[National Sleep Foundation]].</ref>
Genome‐wide association studies have now identified 19 risk loci associated with RLS.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Schormair |first1=Barbara|title=Identification of novel risk loci for restless legs syndrome in genome-wide association studies in individuals of European ancestry: a meta-analysis |journal=The Lancet Neurology |date=November 2017 |volume=16 |issue=11 |pages=898–907 |doi=10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30327-7|pmid=29029846|pmc=5755468}}</ref> Neurological conditions linked to RLS include [[Parkinson's disease]], [[spinal cerebellar atrophy]], [[spinal stenosis]],{{specify|date=March 2011}} lumbosacral [[radiculopathy]] and [[Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease]] type 2.<ref name="ChestReview2006"/>


==History==
===Nomenclature===
In 2013, the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation renamed itself the Willis–Ekbom Disease Foundation; however, it reverted to its original name in 2015 “to better support its mission”.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rls.org/file/press-releases/RLSF-Name-change-press-release.pdf?erid=2825699|title=Willis–Ekbom Disease Foundation Reverts to Original Name|year=2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924091447/http://www.rls.org/file/press-releases/RLSF-Name-change-press-release.pdf?erid=2825699|archive-date=2015-09-24}}</ref>
The first known medical description of RLS was by [[Thomas Willis|Sir Thomas Willis]] in 1672.<ref name=pmid15165536
>{{cite journal |pages=279–83 |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2004.01.002 |title=Restless legs syndrome: an historical note |year=2004 |last1=Coccagna |first1=G |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=5 |issue=3 |pmid=15165536 |last2=Vetrugno |first2=R |last3=Lombardi |first3=C |last4=Provini |first4=F}}</ref> Willis (1621–1675) is considered to be the founder of clinical neuroscience and is most famous for his description of the [[Circle of Willis]], the arterial circle at the base of the brain.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=329–35 |doi=10.1038/nrn1369 |title=Timeline: Thomas Willis (1621–1675), the founder of clinical neuroscience |year=2004 |last1=Molnár |first1=Zoltán |journal=Nature Reviews Neuroscience |volume=5 |issue=4 |pmid=15034557}}</ref> His contributions to the understanding of the human brain and medical science were extensive and revolutionary at the time.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=765–75 |doi=10.3171/JNS/2008/109}}</ref> Known to be a keen observer of his patients' symptoms, Willis emphasized the sleep disruption and limb movements experienced by sufferers of RLS. Initially published in Latin (''De Anima Brutorum'', 1672) but later translated to English (''The London Practice of Physick'', 1685), Willis wrote:

{{cquote|''Wherefore to some, when being abed they betake themselves to sleep, presently in the arms and legs, leapings and contractions on the tendons, and so great a restlessness and tossings of other members ensue, that the diseased are no more able to sleep, than if they were in a place of the greatest torture.''}}


A point of confusion is that RLS and [[delusional parasitosis]] are entirely different conditions that have both been called "Ekbom syndrome", as both syndromes were described by the same person, [[Karl-Axel Ekbom]].<ref name="WhoNamedIt">{{WhoNamedIt|synd|2337|Wittmaack–Ekbom syndrome}}</ref> Today, calling WED/RLS "Ekbom syndrome" is outdated usage, as the unambiguous names (WED or RLS) are preferred for clarity.
Subsequently, other descriptions of RLS were published, including those by Francois Boissier de Sauvages (1763), Magnus Huss (1849), Theodur Wittmaack (1861), [[George Miller Beard]] (1880), [[Georges Gilles de la Tourette]] (1898), [[Hermann Oppenheim]] (1923) and Frederick Gerard Allison (1943).<ref name=pmid15165536/><ref>{{cite journal |pages=586–91 |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2008.04.008 |title=Two early descriptions of restless legs syndrome and periodic leg movements by Boissier de Sauvages (1763) and Gilles de la Tourette (1898) |year=2009 |last1=Konofal |first1=Eric |last2=Karroum |first2=Elias |last3=Montplaisir |first3=Jacques |last4=Derenne |first4=Jean-Philippe |last5=Arnulf |first5=Isabelle |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=10 |issue=5 |pmid=18752999}}</ref> However, it was not until almost three centuries after Willis, in 1945, that Karl-Axel Ekbom (1907–1977) provided a detailed and comprehensive report of this condition in his doctoral thesis, ''Restless legs: clinical study of hitherto overlooked disease''.<ref>{{Cite journal |pages=1–123 |doi=10.1111/j.0954-6820.1945.tb11970.x |title=PREFACE |year=2009 |last1=Ekrbom |first1=Karl-Axel |journal=Acta Medica Scandinavica |volume=121}}</ref> Ekbom coined the term "restless legs" and continued work on this disorder throughout his career. He described the essential diagnostic symptoms, differential diagnosis from other conditions, prevalence, relation to anemia, and common occurrence during pregnancy.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=254–7 |doi=10.1016/j.parkreldis.2008.07.011 |title=Professor Karl-Axel Ekbom and restless legs syndrome |year=2009 |last1=Teive |first1=Hélio A.G. |last2=Munhoz |first2=Renato P. |last3=Barbosa |first3=Egberto Reis |journal=Parkinsonism & Related Disorders |volume=15 |issue=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |pages=223–4 |doi=10.1016/j.sleep.2004.04.002 |title=The legacy of Karl-Axel Ekbom |year=2004 |last1=Ulfberg |first1=J |journal=Sleep Medicine |volume=5 |issue=3 |pmid=15165526}}</ref>

Ekbom's work was largely ignored until it was rediscovered by Arthur S. Walters and Wayne A. Hening in the 1980s. Subsequent landmark publications include 1995 and 2003 papers, which revised and updated the diagnostic criteria.<ref name="pmid14592341"/><ref>{{cite journal |pages=634–42 |doi=10.1002/mds.870100517 |title=Toward a better definition of the restless legs syndrome |year=1995 |last1=Walters |first1=Arthur S. |last2=Aldrich |first2=Michael S. |last3=Allen |first3=Richard |last4=Ancoli-Israel |first4=Sonia |last5=Buchholz |first5=David |last6=Chokroverty |first6=Sudhansu |last7=Coccagna |first7=Giorgio |last8=Earley |first8=Christopher |last9=Ehrenberg |first9=Bruce |journal=Movement Disorders |volume=10 |issue=5 |pmid=8552117}}</ref> Journal of Parkinsonism and RLS is the first peer reviewed, online, open access journal dedicated to publishing research about Parkinson's disease and was founded by a Canadian neurologist Dr.Abdul Qayyum Rana.


==Controversy==
==Controversy==
Some doctors express the view that the incidence of restless legs syndrome is exaggerated by manufacturers of drugs used to treat it.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.0030170 |title=Giving Legs to Restless Legs: A Case Study of How the Media Helps Make People Sick |year=2006 |last1=Woloshin |first1=Steven |last2=Schwartz |first2=Lisa M. |journal=PLOS Medicine |volume=3 |issue=4 |pages=e170 |pmid=16597175 |pmc=1434499 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Others believe it is an underrecognized and undertreated disorder.<ref name="ChestReview2006"/> Further, [[GlaxoSmithKline]] (GSK) ran advertisements that, while not promoting off-licence use of their drug ([[ropinirole]]) for treatment of RLS, did link to the Ekbom Support Group website. That website contained statements advocating the use of ropinirole to treat RLS. The [[Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry]] (ABPI) ruled against GSK in this case.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article601394.ece|title=Glaxo's cure for 'restless legs' was an unlicensed drug|last=Templeton|first=Sarah-Kate|date=August 6, 2006|work=Times Online|publisher=Times Newspapers Ltd.|access-date=2009-07-24|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211022725/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article601394.ece|archive-date=February 11, 2007}}</ref>
As with many diseases with diffuse symptoms, there is controversy among physicians as to whether RLS is a distinct syndrome. The U.S. [[National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke]] publishes an information sheet<ref>[http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet]</ref> characterizing the syndrome but acknowledging it as a difficult diagnosis. Some physicians consider it a real entity that has specific diagnostic criteria.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=324–9 |doi=10.1002/mds.870130220 |title=Immobilization tests and periodic leg movements in sleep for the diagnosis of restless leg syndrome |year=1998 |last1=Montplaisir |first1=Jacques |last2=Boucher |first2=Sylvie |last3=Nicolas |first3=Alain |last4=Lesperance |first4=Paul |last5=Gosselin |first5=Anik |last6=Rompré |first6=Pierre |last7=Lavigne |first7=Gilles |journal=Movement Disorders |volume=13 |issue=2 |pmid=9539348}}</ref>

Many doctors express the view that the incidence of restless leg syndrome is exaggerated by manufacturers of drugs used to treat it.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.0030170 |title=Giving Legs to Restless Legs: A Case Study of How the Media Helps Make People Sick |year=2006 |last1=Woloshin |first1=Steven |last2=Schwartz |first2=Lisa M. |journal=PLoS Medicine |volume=3 |issue=4 |pages=e170 |pmid=16597175 |pmc=1434499}}</ref> Others believe it is an underrecognized and undertreated disorder.<ref name="ChestReview2006"/> Some of the controversy results from the fact that certain pharmaceutical companies used medical representatives (''i.e.'', salespeople) to perform investigations into the treatment of RLS even though those companies had no licensed treatments for the condition. Further, [[GlaxoSmithKline]] ran advertisements that, while not promoting off-license use of their drug ([[ropinirole]]) for treatment of RLS, did link to the [http://www.rlsuk-esa.org.uk/ Ekbom Support Group] website. That website contained statements advocating the use of ropinirole to treat RLS. The [[Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry|ABPI]] ruled against GSK in this case.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article601394.ece|title=Glaxo's cure for 'restless legs' was an unlicensed drug|last=Templeton|first=Sarah-Kate |date=August 6, 2006|work=Times Online|publisher=Times Newspapers Ltd.|accessdate=2009-07-24}}</ref>

Another point of confusion is that RLS and [[delusional parasitosis]] are entirely different conditions that share part of the Wittmaack-Ekbom syndrome [[List of eponymous diseases|eponym]], as both syndromes were described by the same person, Karl-Axel Ekbom.<ref name="WhoNamedIt">{{WhoNamedIt|synd|2337|Wittmaack-Ekbom syndrome}}</ref>


==See also==
==Research==
Different measurements have been used to evaluate treatments in RLS. Most of them are based on subjective rating scores, such as IRLS rating scale (IRLS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Patient Global Impression (PGI), and Quality of life (QoL).<ref name=":1">{{cite journal |last1=Aurora |first1=R. Nisha |last2=Kristo |first2=David A. |last3=Bista |first3=Sabin R. |last4=Rowley |first4=James A. |last5=Zak |first5=Rochelle S. |last6=Casey |first6=Kenneth R. |last7=Lamm |first7=Carin I. |last8=Tracy |first8=Sharon L. |last9=Rosenberg |first9=Richard S. |title=Update to the AASM Clinical Practice Guideline: "The Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder in Adults—An Update for 2012: Practice Parameters with an Evidence-Based Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses" |journal=Sleep |date=August 2012 |volume=35 |issue=8 |pages=1037 |doi=10.5665/sleep.1986 |pmid=22851800|pmc=3397810 }}</ref> These questionnaires provide information about the severity and progress of the disease, as well as the person's quality of life and sleep.<ref name=":1" /> [[Polysomnography]] (PSG) and [[actigraphy]] (both related to sleep parameters) are more objective resources that provide evidences of sleep disturbances associated with RLS symptoms.<ref name=":1" />
*[[Restless Genital Syndrome]]
*[[Periodic limb movement disorder]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
{{commons category|Restless leg syndrome}}
*{{Cite web| title = National Institutes of Health: What is Restless Legs Syndrome?| url = http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/rls/rls_WhatIs.html}}
{{Wiktionary|restless legs syndrome}}
*{{Medicinenet|restless_leg_syndrome}}
*{{Cite web| title = Restless Legs Syndrome Information Page: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
| url = http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless%5Flegs/restless_legs.htm}}
*{{DMOZ|Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/Sleep_Disorders/Restless_Legs_Syndrome/}}
*[http://www.rls.org Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation]
*[http://www.aespi.net AESPI Restless Legs Syndrome Spanish Association]
*[http://www.rls-uk.org UK Restless Legs Syndrome Association]


{{Medical resources
| DiseasesDB = 29476
| ICD10 = {{ICD10|G|25|8}}
| ICD9 = {{ICD9|333.94}}
| ICDO =
| OMIM = 102300
| OMIM_mult = {{OMIM|608831||none}}
| MedlinePlus = 000807
| eMedicineSubj = neuro
| eMedicineTopic = 509
| MeshID = D012148
| ICD10CM = {{ICD10CM|G25.81}}
|ICD11={{ICD11|7A80}}}}
{{Diseases of the nervous system|state=collapsed}}
{{Diseases of the nervous system|state=collapsed}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Restless Legs Syndrome}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Restless Legs Syndrome}}
[[Category:Extrapyramidal and movement disorders]]
[[Category:Sleep disorders]]
[[Category:Sleep disorders]]
[[Category:Extrapyramidal and movement disorders]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
[[Category:Psychiatric diagnosis]]
[[Category:Wikipedia medicine articles ready to translate]]
[[Category:Wikipedia neurology articles ready to translate]]

{{Link FA|de}}
[[ar:متلازمة تململ الساقين]]
[[ca:Síndrome de les cames neguitoses]]
[[da:Restless Legs Syndrome]]
[[de:Restless-Legs-Syndrom]]
[[et:Rahutute jalgade sündroom]]
[[es:Síndrome de las piernas inquietas]]
[[fa:سندروم پای بی‌قرار]]
[[fr:Syndrome des jambes sans repos]]
[[it:Sindrome delle gambe senza riposo]]
[[ms:Sindrom kaki resah]]
[[nl:Restless-legssyndroom]]
[[ja:むずむず脚症候群]]
[[no:RLS]]
[[pl:Zespół niespokojnych nóg]]
[[pt:Síndrome das pernas inquietas]]
[[ru:Синдром беспокойных ног]]
[[fi:Levottomat jalat]]
[[sv:Rastlösa ben]]
[[tr:Huzursuz bacak sendromu]]
[[zh:睡眠腳動症]]

Latest revision as of 09:55, 2 January 2025

Restless legs syndrome
Other namesWillis–Ekbom disease (WED),[1] Wittmaack–Ekbom syndrome
Sleep pattern of a person with restless legs syndrome (red) compared to a healthy sleep pattern (blue)
SpecialtySleep medicine
SymptomsUnpleasant feeling in the legs that briefly improves with moving them[2]
ComplicationsDaytime sleepiness, low energy, irritability, sadness[2]
Usual onsetMore common with older age[3]
Risk factorsLow iron levels, kidney failure, Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, certain medications[2][4][5]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms after ruling out other possible causes[6]
TreatmentLifestyle changes, medication[2]
MedicationDopamine agonists, levodopa, gabapentinoids, opioids[4][7][8][9]
Frequency2.5–15% (US)[4]

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), (also known as Willis–Ekbom disease (WED), is a neurological disorder, usually chronic, that causes an overwhelming urge to move one's legs.[2][10] There is often an unpleasant feeling in the legs that improves temporarily by moving them.[2] This feeling is often described as aching, tingling, or crawling in nature.[2] Occasionally, arms may also be affected.[2] The feelings generally happen when at rest and therefore can make it hard to sleep.[2] Sleep disruption may leave people with RLS sleepy during the day, with low energy, and irritable or depressed.[2] Additionally, many have limb twitching during sleep, a condition known as periodic limb movement disorder.[11] RLS is not the same as habitual foot-tapping or leg-rocking.[12]

Diagnosis and treatment

[edit]

Diagnosis of RLS is generally based on a person's symptoms after ruling out other potential causes.[6] Risk factors include low iron levels, kidney failure, Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy and celiac disease.[2][4][13] A number of medications may also trigger the disorder including antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, and calcium channel blockers.[5]

RLS may either be of early onset, occurring before age 45, or of late onset, occurring after age 45. Early-onset cases tend to progress more slowly and involve fewer comorbidities, while cases in older patients may progress suddenly and alongside other conditions.[14]

RLS may resolve if the underlying problem is addressed.[15] Otherwise treatment includes lifestyle changes and medication.[2] Lifestyle changes that may help include stopping alcohol and tobacco use, and sleep hygiene.[15] Medications used to treat RLS include dopamine agonists like pramipexole and gabapentinoids2δ ligands) like gabapentin.[4][7][16] RLS affects an estimated 2.5–15% of the American population.[4] Females are more commonly affected than males, and RLS becomes increasingly common with age.[3][1]

History

[edit]

Sir Thomas Willis provided a medical description in 1672.[17] Willis emphasized the sleep disruption and limb movements experienced by people with RLS.

Subsequently, other descriptions of RLS were published, including by Theodor Wittmaack [de] (1861) (in relation to whom it is sometimes known as Wittmaack-Ekbom syndrome).[18]

In 1945, Karl-Axel Ekbom (1907–1977) provided a detailed and comprehensive report of this condition in his doctoral thesis, restless legs: clinical study of hitherto overlooked disease.[19] Ekbom coined the term "restless legs".

Ekbom's work was largely ignored until it was rediscovered by Arthur S. Walters and Wayne A. Hening in the 1980s. Subsequent landmark publications include 1995 and 2003 papers, which revised and updated the diagnostic criteria.[20][21]

Signs and symptoms

[edit]

RLS sensations range from pain or an aching in the muscles, to "an itch you can't scratch", a "buzzing sensation", an unpleasant "tickle that won't stop", a "crawling" feeling, or limbs jerking while awake. The sensations typically begin or intensify during quiet wakefulness, such as when relaxing, reading, studying, or trying to sleep.[20]

It is a "spectrum disorder" with some people experiencing only a minor annoyance and others having major disruption of sleep and impairments in quality of life.[22]

The sensations—and the need to move—may return immediately after ceasing movement or at a later time. RLS may start at any age, including childhood, and is a progressive disease for some, while the symptoms may remit in others.[23] In a survey among members of the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, it was found that up to 45% of patients had their first symptoms before the age of 20 years.[24]

  • "An urge to move, usually due to uncomfortable sensations that occur primarily in the legs, but occasionally in the arms or elsewhere." The sensations are unusual and unlike other common sensations. Those with RLS have a hard time describing them, using words or phrases such as uncomfortable, painful, 'antsy', electrical, creeping, itching, pins and needles, pulling, crawling, buzzing, and numbness. It is sometimes described similar to a limb 'falling asleep' or an exaggerated sense of positional awareness of the affected area. The sensation and the urge can occur in any body part; the most cited location is legs, followed by arms. Some people have little or no sensation, yet still, have a strong urge to move.
  • "Motor restlessness, expressed as activity, which relieves the urge to move." Movement usually brings immediate relief, although temporary and partial. Walking is most common; however, stretching, yoga, biking, or other physical activity may relieve the symptoms. Continuous, fast up-and-down movements of the leg, and/or rapidly moving the legs toward then away from each other, may keep sensations at bay without having to walk. Specific movements may be unique to each person.
  • "Worsening of symptoms by relaxation." Sitting or lying down (reading, plane ride, watching TV) can trigger the sensations and urge to move. Severity depends on the severity of the person's RLS, the degree of restfulness, duration of the inactivity, etc.
  • "Variability over the course of the day-night cycle, with symptoms worse in the evening and early in the night." Some experience RLS only at bedtime, while others experience it throughout the day and night. Most people experience the worst symptoms in the evening and the least in the morning.
  • "Restless legs feel similar to the urge to yawn, situated in the legs or arms." These symptoms of RLS can make sleeping difficult for many patients and a 2005 National Sleep Foundation poll[25] shows the presence of significant daytime difficulties resulting from this condition. These problems range from being late for work to missing work or events because of drowsiness. Patients with RLS who responded reported driving while drowsy more than patients without RLS. These daytime difficulties can translate into safety, social and economic issues for the patient and for society.

RLS may contribute to higher rates of depression and anxiety disorders in RLS patients.[26]

Primary and secondary forms

[edit]

RLS is categorized as either primary or secondary.

  • Primary RLS is considered idiopathic or with no known cause. Primary RLS usually begins slowly, before approximately 40–45 years of age and may disappear for months or even years. It is often progressive and gets worse with age.[27] RLS in children is often misdiagnosed as growing pains.
  • Secondary RLS often has a sudden onset after age 40, and may be daily from the beginning. It is most associated with specific medical conditions or the use of certain drugs (see below).

Causes

[edit]

While the cause is generally unknown, it is believed to be caused by changes in the neurotransmitter dopamine[28] resulting in an abnormal use of iron by the brain.[1] RLS is often due to iron deficiency (low total body iron status)[1] and could be a sign of anemia caused by internal bleeding or bone marrow issues. Other associated conditions may include end-stage kidney disease and hemodialysis, folate deficiency, magnesium deficiency, sleep apnea, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson's disease, and certain autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.[29] RLS can worsen in pregnancy, possibly due to elevated estrogen levels.[1][30] Use of alcohol, nicotine products, and caffeine may be associated with RLS.[1] A 2014 study from the American Academy of Neurology also found that reduced leg oxygen levels were strongly associated with restless legs syndrome symptom severity in untreated patients.[28]

ADHD

[edit]

An association has been observed between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and RLS or periodic limb movement disorder.[31] Both conditions appear to have links to dysfunctions related to the neurotransmitter dopamine, and common medications for both conditions among other systems, affect dopamine levels in the brain.[32] A 2005 study suggested that up to 44% of people with ADHD had comorbid (i.e. coexisting) RLS, and up to 26% of people with RLS had confirmed ADHD or symptoms of the condition.[33]

Medications

[edit]

Certain medications may cause or worsen RLS, or cause it secondarily, including:[1]

Both primary and secondary RLS can be worsened by surgery of any kind; however, back surgery or injury can be associated with causing RLS.[37]

The cause vs. effect of certain conditions and behaviors observed in some patients (ex. excess weight, lack of exercise, depression or other mental illnesses) is not well established. Loss of sleep due to RLS could cause the conditions, or medication used to treat a condition could cause RLS.[38][39]

Genetics

[edit]

More than 60% of cases of RLS are familial and are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion with variable penetrance.[40]

Research and brain autopsies have implicated both dopaminergic system and iron insufficiency in the substantia nigra.[41] Iron is well understood to be an essential cofactor for the formation of L-dopa, the precursor of dopamine.

Six genetic loci found by linkage are known and listed below. Other than the first one, all of the linkage loci were discovered using an autosomal dominant model of inheritance.

  • The first genetic locus was discovered in one large French Canadian family and maps to chromosome 12q.[42][43] This locus was discovered using an autosomal recessive inheritance model. Evidence for this locus was also found using a transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) in 12 Bavarian families.[44]
  • The second RLS locus maps to chromosome 14q and was discovered in one Italian family.[45] Evidence for this locus was found in one French Canadian family.[46] Also, an association study in a large sample 159 trios of European descent showed some evidence for this locus.[47]
  • This locus maps to chromosome 9p and was discovered in two unrelated American families.[48] Evidence for this locus was also found by the TDT in a large Bavarian family,[49] in which significant linkage to this locus was found.[50]
  • This locus maps to chromosome 20p and was discovered in a large French Canadian family with RLS.[51]
  • This locus maps to chromosome 2p and was found in three related families from population isolated in South Tyrol.[52]
  • The sixth locus is located on chromosome 16p12.1 and was discovered by Levchenko et al. in 2008.[53]

Three genes, MEIS1, BTBD9 and MAP2K5, were found to be associated to RLS.[54] Their role in RLS pathogenesis is still unclear. More recently, a fourth gene, PTPRD was found to be associated with RLS.[55]

There is also some evidence that periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are associated with BTBD9 on chromosome 6p21.2,[56][57] MEIS1, MAP2K5/SKOR1, and PTPRD.[57] The presence of a positive family history suggests that there may be a genetic involvement in the etiology of RLS.

Mechanism

[edit]

Although it is only partly understood, pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome may involve dopamine and iron system anomalies.[58][59] There is also a commonly acknowledged circadian rhythm explanatory mechanism associated with it, clinically shown simply by biomarkers of circadian rhythm, such as body temperature.[60] The interactions between impaired neuronal iron uptake and the functions of the neuromelanin-containing and dopamine-producing cells have roles in RLS development, indicating that iron deficiency might affect the brain dopaminergic transmissions in different ways.[61]

Medial thalamic nuclei may also have a role in RLS as part as the limbic system modulated by the dopaminergic system[62] which may affect pain perception.[63] Improvement of RLS symptoms occurs in people receiving low-dose dopamine agonists.[64]

Diagnosis

[edit]

There are no specific tests for RLS, but non-specific laboratory tests are used to rule out other causes such as vitamin deficiencies. Five symptoms are used to confirm the diagnosis:[1]

  • A strong urge to move the limbs, usually associated with unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations.
  • It starts or worsens during inactivity or rest.
  • It improves or disappears (at least temporarily) with activity.
  • It worsens in the evening or night.
  • These symptoms are not caused by any medical or behavioral condition.

The symptoms below are not essential, like the ones above, but occur commonly in RLS patients:[1][65]

  • genetic component or family history with RLS
  • good response to dopaminergic therapy
  • periodic leg movements during day or sleep
  • most strongly affected are people who are middle-aged or older
  • other sleep disturbances are experienced
  • decreased iron stores can be a risk factor and should be assessed

According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-3), the main symptoms have to be associated with a sleep disturbance or impairment in order to support RLS diagnosis.[66] As stated by this classification, RLS symptoms should begin or worsen when being inactive, be relieved when moving, should happen exclusively or mostly in the evening and at night, not be triggered by other medical or behavioral conditions, and should impair one's quality of life.[66][67] Generally, both legs are affected, but in some cases there is an asymmetry.

Differential diagnosis

[edit]

The most common conditions that should be differentiated with RLS include leg cramps, positional discomfort, local leg injury, arthritis, leg edema, venous stasis, peripheral neuropathy, radiculopathy, habitual foot tapping/leg rocking, anxiety, myalgia, and drug-induced akathisia.[12]

Peripheral artery disease and arthritis can also cause leg pain but this usually gets worse with movement.[11]

There are less common differential diagnostic conditions included myelopathy, myopathy, vascular or neurogenic claudication, hypotensive akathisia, orthostatic tremor, painful legs, and moving toes.[12]

Treatment

[edit]

If RLS is not linked to an underlying cause, its frequency may be reduced by lifestyle modifications such as adopting improving sleep hygiene, regular exercise, and stopping smoking.[68] Medications used may include dopamine agonists and gabapentinoids in those with daily restless legs syndrome.[1][36][7][8] In severe or refractory cases, opioids have been used.[69]

Treatment of RLS should not be considered until possible medical causes are ruled out. Secondary RLS may be cured if precipitating medical conditions (anemia) are managed effectively.[1]

Physical measures

[edit]

Stretching the leg muscles can bring temporary relief.[20][70] Walking and moving the legs, as the name "restless legs" implies, brings temporary relief. In fact, those with RLS often have an almost uncontrollable need to walk and therefore relieve the symptoms while they are moving. Unfortunately, the symptoms usually return immediately after the moving and walking ceases.

Counter-stimulation from massage, a hot or cold compress, or a vibratory counter-stimulation device has been found to help some people with primary RLS to improve their sleep.[71][72]

Iron

[edit]

There is some evidence that intravenous iron supplementation moderately improves restlessness for people with RLS.[73]

Medications

[edit]

For those whose RLS disrupts or prevents sleep or regular daily activities, medication may be useful. Evidence supports the use of dopamine agonists including pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine, cabergoline, and pergolide.[7][74][75] They reduce symptoms, improve sleep quality and quality of life.[76] Levodopa is also effective.[77] However, pergolide and cabergoline are less recommended due to their association with increased risk of valvular heart disease.[78] Ropinirole has a faster onset with shorter duration.[79] Rotigotine is commonly used as a transdermal patch which continuously provides stable plasma drug concentrations, resulting in its particular therapeutic effect on patients with symptoms throughout the day.[79] A 2008 meta-analysis[needs update] found pramipexole to be better than ropinirole.[80]

There are, however, issues with the use of dopamine agonists including augmentation. This is a medical condition where the drug itself causes symptoms to increase in severity and/or occur earlier in the day. Dopamine agonists may also cause rebound when symptoms increase as the drug wears off. In many cases, the longer dopamine agonists have been used, the higher the risk of augmentation and rebound as well as the severity of the symptoms. Patients may also develop dopamine dysregulation syndrome, meaning that they can experience an addictive pattern of dopamine replacement therapy. A 2007 study indicated that dopamine agonists used in restless legs syndrome can lead to an increase in compulsive gambling.[81] Patients may also exhibit other impulse-control disorders such as compulsive shopping and compulsive eating.[82] There are some indications that stopping the dopamine agonist treatment has an impact on the resolution or at least improvement of the impulse-control disorder, even though some people can be particularly exposed to dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome.[82]

Gabapentinoids2δ ligands), including gabapentin, pregabalin, and gabapentin enacarbil, are also widely used in the treatment of RLS.[7][83] They are used as first-line treatments similarly to dopamine agonists, and as of 2019, guidelines have started to recommend gabapentinoids over dopamine agonists as initial therapy for RLS due to higher known risks of symptom augmentation with long-term dopamine agonist therapy.[84] Gabapentin enacarbil is approved by regulatory authorities for the treatment of RLS, whereas gabapentin and pregabalin are used off-label.[7] Data on gabapentinoids in the treatment of RLS are more limited compared to dopamine agonists.[85] However, based on available evidence, gabapentinoids are similarly effective to dopamine agonists in the treatment of RLS.[84][86][83]

Both the 2021 algorithm for the treatment of RLS published by members of the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board of the RLS Foundation in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings,[26] and the 2024 American Academy of Sleep Medicine Practice Guidelines[31] recommend the use of low-dose opioids for the treatment of refractory RLS, with the caveat that, although opioids are highly effective, “reasonable precautions should be taken in light of the opioid epidemic.[23]" Among the opioids and their suggested doses are tramadol, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone (all of which are schedule II), and buprenorphine (a schedule III partial opioid-receptor agonist with a lower risk of causing respiratory depression or dependence, compared with the full-agonist opioids.[33][35] The only data publicly available on the use of buprenorphine in the treatment of RLS are two posters presented at the 2019 and 2023 Associated Professional Sleep Society’s meetings. In the first, Forbes et al[32] presented preliminary open-label data from five men and two women, with an average age of 68 years, who had experienced RLS symptoms for a mean of 30+ years and been treated for 10+ years using a mean of nine drugs. Severity of both RLS and insomnia decreased significantly according to the IRLSSG Rating Scale scores and Insomnia Severity Index (31.1 ± 6.7 at baseline to 4 ± 8 and 19.8 ± 6.1 to 1.3 ± 1.9, respectively). In the second study, Berkowsi[38] and colleagues presented data from a retrospective study of 55 patients who had been started on buprenorphine for the treatment of severe RLS. Mean IRLSSG severity scores decreased from 27.8 at baseline to 11.4 at 1 year and allowed most of those patients on dopamine receptor agonists who had developed augmentation to discontinue the dopamine receptor agonists.

Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam or clonazepam, are not generally recommended,[87] and their effectiveness is unknown or contradictory.[88][85] They, however, are sometimes still used as a second-line treatment,[89] as add-on agents.[88] Other treatments have also been explored, such as valproate, carbamazepine, perampanel, and dipyridamole, but are either not effective or have insufficient data to support their use.[85]

Placebo

[edit]

Placebos provide a large benefit in terms of reduction of RLS symptoms.[90] This is thought to be due to positive expectancy effects and conditioning, which activate dopamine and opioid pathways in the brain.[90] Both dopamine agonists and opioids are used in and effective for the treatment of RLS, which is thought to be related to the effectiveness of placebos for the condition.[90] More than half of the benefit of RLS medications such as pramipexole and gabapentin enacarbil appears to be due to the placebo component based on clinical trial data.[91][92]

Prognosis

[edit]

RLS symptoms may gradually worsen with age, although more slowly for those with the idiopathic form of RLS than for people who also have an associated medical condition.[93] Current therapies can control the disorder, minimizing symptoms and increasing periods of restful sleep. In addition, some people have remissions, periods in which symptoms decrease or disappear for days, weeks, or months, although symptoms usually eventually reappear.[93] Being diagnosed with RLS does not indicate or foreshadow another neurological disease, such as Parkinson's disease.[93] RLS symptoms can worsen over time when dopamine-related drugs are used for therapy, an effect called augmentation which may represent symptoms occurring throughout the day and affect movements of all limbs.[93] There is no cure for RLS.[93]

Epidemiology

[edit]

RLS affects an estimated 2.5–15% of the American population.[4][94] A minority (around 2.7% of the population) experience daily or severe symptoms.[95] RLS is twice as common in women as in men,[96] and Caucasians are more prone to RLS than people of African descent.[94] RLS occurs in 3% of individuals from the Mediterranean or Middle Eastern regions, and in 1–5% of those from East Asia, indicating that different genetic or environmental factors, including diet, may play a role in the prevalence of this syndrome.[94][97] RLS diagnosed at an older age runs a more severe course.[70] RLS is even more common in individuals with iron deficiency, pregnancy, or end-stage kidney disease.[98][99] The National Sleep Foundation's 1998 Sleep in America poll showed that up to 25 percent of pregnant women developed RLS during the third trimester.[100] Poor general health is also linked.[101]

There are several risk factors for RLS, including old age, family history, and uremia. The prevalence of RLS tends to increase with age, as well as its severity and longer duration of symptoms. People with uremia receiving renal dialysis have a prevalence from 20% to 57%, while those having kidney transplant improve compared to those treated with dialysis.[102]

RLS can occur at all ages, although it typically begins in the third or fourth decade.[67] Genome‐wide association studies have now identified 19 risk loci associated with RLS.[103] Neurological conditions linked to RLS include Parkinson's disease, spinal cerebellar atrophy, spinal stenosis,[specify] lumbosacral radiculopathy and Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2.[94]

Nomenclature

[edit]

In 2013, the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation renamed itself the Willis–Ekbom Disease Foundation; however, it reverted to its original name in 2015 “to better support its mission”.[104]

A point of confusion is that RLS and delusional parasitosis are entirely different conditions that have both been called "Ekbom syndrome", as both syndromes were described by the same person, Karl-Axel Ekbom.[105] Today, calling WED/RLS "Ekbom syndrome" is outdated usage, as the unambiguous names (WED or RLS) are preferred for clarity.

Controversy

[edit]

Some doctors express the view that the incidence of restless legs syndrome is exaggerated by manufacturers of drugs used to treat it.[106] Others believe it is an underrecognized and undertreated disorder.[94] Further, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) ran advertisements that, while not promoting off-licence use of their drug (ropinirole) for treatment of RLS, did link to the Ekbom Support Group website. That website contained statements advocating the use of ropinirole to treat RLS. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) ruled against GSK in this case.[107]

Research

[edit]

Different measurements have been used to evaluate treatments in RLS. Most of them are based on subjective rating scores, such as IRLS rating scale (IRLS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Patient Global Impression (PGI), and Quality of life (QoL).[108] These questionnaires provide information about the severity and progress of the disease, as well as the person's quality of life and sleep.[108] Polysomnography (PSG) and actigraphy (both related to sleep parameters) are more objective resources that provide evidences of sleep disturbances associated with RLS symptoms.[108]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke". Ninds.nih.gov. Archived from the original on 28 July 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?". NHLBI. November 1, 2010. Archived from the original on 21 August 2016. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Who Is at Risk for Restless Legs Syndrome?". NHLBI. November 1, 2010. Archived from the original on 26 August 2016. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Ramar, Kannan; Olson, Eric J. (15 August 2013). "Management of common sleep disorders". American Family Physician. 88 (4): 231–238. PMID 23944726. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  5. ^ a b "What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?". NHLBI. November 1, 2010. Archived from the original on 20 August 2016. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  6. ^ a b "How Is Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnosed?". NHLBI. November 1, 2010. Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Garcia-Borreguero D, Silber MH, Winkelman JW, Högl B, Bainbridge J, Buchfuhrer M, Hadjigeorgiou G, Inoue Y, Manconi M, Oertel W, Ondo W, Winkelmann J, Allen RP (May 2016). "Guidelines for the first-line treatment of restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease, prevention and treatment of dopaminergic augmentation: a combined task force of the IRLSSG, EURLSSG, and the RLS-foundation". Sleep Med. 21: 1–11. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2016.01.017. PMID 27448465.
  8. ^ a b Silber MH, Buchfuhrer MJ, Earley CJ, Koo BB, Manconi M, Winkelman JW (July 2021). "The Management of Restless Legs Syndrome: An Updated Algorithm". Mayo Clin Proc. 96 (7): 1921–1937. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.12.026. PMID 34218864. S2CID 235733578.
  9. ^ Gossard, Thomas R.; Trotti, Lynn Marie; Videnovic, Aleksandar; St Louis, Erik K. (20 April 2021). "Restless Legs Syndrome: Contemporary Diagnosis and Treatment" (PDF). Neurotherapeutics. 18 (1): 140–155. doi:10.1007/s13311-021-01019-4. PMC 8116476. PMID 33880737. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  10. ^ "Restless Legs Syndrome Information Page | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke". Ninds.nih.gov. Archived from the original on 8 October 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  11. ^ a b "What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome?". NHLBI. November 1, 2010. Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  12. ^ a b c Allen, Richard P.; Picchietti, Daniel L.; Garcia-Borreguero, Diego; Ondo, William G.; Walters, Arthur S.; Winkelman, John W.; Zucconi, Marco; Ferri, Raffaele; Trenkwalder, Claudia; Lee, Hochang B. (August 2014). "Restless legs syndrome/Willis–Ekbom disease diagnostic criteria: updated International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) consensus criteria – history, rationale, description, and significance" (PDF). Sleep Medicine. 15 (8): 860–873. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2014.03.025. PMID 25023924. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  13. ^ Zis P, Hadjivassiliou M (2019). "Treatment of Neurological Manifestations of Gluten Sensitivity and Coeliac Disease". Curr Treat Options Neurol (Review). 21 (3): 10. doi:10.1007/s11940-019-0552-7. PMID 30806821.
  14. ^ Didato, G.; Di Giacomo, R.; Rosa, G. J.; Dominese, A.; De Curtis, M.; Lanteri, P. (2020). "Restless Legs Syndrome across the Lifespan: Symptoms, Pathophysiology, Management and Daily Life Impact of the Different Patterns of Disease Presentation". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 17 (10): 3658. doi:10.3390/ijerph17103658. PMC 7277795. PMID 32456058.
  15. ^ a b "How Is Restless Legs Syndrome Treated?". NHLBI. November 1, 2010. Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  16. ^ Winkelman JW, Berkowski JA, DelRosso LM, Koo BB, Scharf MT, Sharon D, Zak RS, Kazmi U, Falck-Ytter Y, Shelgikar AV, Trotti LM, Walters AS (26 September 2024). "Treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline". Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 21: 137–152. doi:10.5664/jcsm.11390. PMID 39324694. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
  17. ^ Coccagna, G; Vetrugno, R; Lombardi, C; Provini, F (2004). "Restless legs syndrome: an historical note". Sleep Medicine. 5 (3): 279–83. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2004.01.002. PMID 15165536.
  18. ^ Behrman, Simon (21 June 1958). "Disturbed Relaxation of Limbs". BMJ. 1 (5085): 1454–1457. doi:10.1136/bmj.1.5085.1454. PMC 2029296. PMID 13536531. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  19. ^ Ekrbom, Karl-Axel (2009). "PREFACE". Acta Medica Scandinavica. 121: 1–123. doi:10.1111/j.0954-6820.1945.tb11970.x.
  20. ^ a b c Allen, R; Picchietti, D; Hening, WA; Trenkwalder, C; Walters, AS; Montplaisi, J; Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnosis Epidemiology workshop at the National Institutes of Health; International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (2003). "Restless legs syndrome: diagnostic criteria, special considerations, and epidemiology A report from the restless legs syndrome diagnosis and epidemiology workshop at the National Institutes of Health". Sleep Medicine. 4 (2): 101–19. doi:10.1016/S1389-9457(03)00010-8. PMID 14592341.
  21. ^ Walters, Arthur S.; Aldrich, Michael S.; Allen, Richard; Ancoli-Israel, Sonia; Buchholz, David; Chokroverty, Sudhansu; Coccagna, Giorgio; Earley, Christopher; Ehrenberg, Bruce; Feest, T. G.; Hening, Wayne; Kavey, Neil; Lavigne, Gilles; Lipinski, Joseph; Lugaresi, Elio; Montagna, Pasquale; Montplaisir, Jacques; Mosko, Sarah S.; Oertel, Wolfgang; Picchietti, Daniel; Pollmächer, Thomas; Shafor, Renata; Smith, Robert C.; Telstad, Wenche; Trenkwalder, Claudia; Von Scheele, Christian; Walters, Arthur S.; Ware, J. Catesby; Zucconi, Marco (1995). "Toward a better definition of the restless legs syndrome". Movement Disorders. 10 (5): 634–42. doi:10.1002/mds.870100517. PMID 8552117. S2CID 22970514.
  22. ^ Earley, Christopher J.; Silber, Michael H. (2010). "Restless legs syndrome: Understanding its consequences and the need for better treatment". Sleep Medicine. 11 (9): 807–15. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2010.07.007. PMID 20817595.
  23. ^ a b Xiong, L.; Montplaisir, J.; Desautels, A.; Barhdadi, A.; Turecki, G.; Levchenko, A.; Thibodeau, P.; Dubé, M. P.; Gaspar, C.; Rouleau, GA (2010). "Family Study of Restless Legs Syndrome in Quebec, Canada: Clinical Characterization of 671 Familial Cases". Archives of Neurology. 67 (5): 617–22. doi:10.1001/archneurol.2010.67. PMID 20457962.
  24. ^ Walters, A. S.; Hickey, K.; Maltzman, J.; Verrico, T.; Joseph, D.; Hening, W.; Wilson, V.; Chokroverty, S. (1996). "A questionnaire study of 138 patients with restless legs syndrome: The 'Night-Walkers' survey". Neurology. 46 (1): 92–5. doi:10.1212/WNL.46.1.92. PMID 8559428. S2CID 25278952.
  25. ^ Phillips, B.; Hening, W.; Britz, P. (2006). "Prevalence and correlates of restless legs syndrome: results from the 2005 National Sleep Foundation Poll". Chest. 129 (1): 76–80. doi:10.1378/chest.129.1.76. PMID 16424415.
  26. ^ a b Becker, Philip M.; Sharon, Denise (15 July 2014). "Mood Disorders in Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease)". The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 75 (7): e679 – e694. doi:10.4088/jcp.13r08692. PMID 25093484.
  27. ^ "Restless legs syndrome". NHS inform. Archived from the original on 2023-11-06. Retrieved 2023-11-06.
  28. ^ a b St. Louis, E. K. (27 May 2014). "New evidence for reduced leg oxygen levels in restless legs syndrome". Neurology. 82 (21): e185 – e187. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000000513. PMID 24862901. S2CID 207107060.
  29. ^ MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Restless legs syndrome
  30. ^ Gupta, R.; Dhyani, M.; Kendzerska, T.; Pandi-Perumal, S. R.; BaHammam, A. S.; Srivanitchapoom, P.; Pandey, S.; Hallett, M. (May 2016). "Restless legs syndrome and pregnancy: prevalence, possible pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment". Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. 133 (5): 320–329. doi:10.1111/ane.12520. PMC 5562408. PMID 26482928.
  31. ^ a b Walters, A. S.; Silvestri, R; Zucconi, M; Chandrashekariah, R; Konofal, E (2008). "Review of the Possible Relationship and Hypothetical Links Between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the Simple Sleep Related Movement Disorders, Parasomnias, Hypersomnias, and Circadian Rhythm Disorders". Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 4 (6): 591–600. doi:10.5664/jcsm.27356. PMC 2603539. PMID 19110891.
  32. ^ a b "Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – Other Disorders Associated with ADHD". University of Maryland Medical Center. 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-05-07. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  33. ^ a b Cortese, S; Konofal, E; Lecendreux, M; Arnulf, I; Mouren, MC; Darra, F; Dalla Bernardina, B (2005). "Restless legs syndrome and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A review of the literature". Sleep. 28 (8): 1007–13. doi:10.1093/sleep/28.8.1007. PMID 16218085.
  34. ^ a b c Buchfuhrer, MJ (October 2012). "Strategies for the treatment of restless legs syndrome". Neurotherapeutics (Review). 9 (4): 776–90. doi:10.1007/s13311-012-0139-4. PMC 3480566. PMID 22923001.
  35. ^ a b Neiman, J.; Lang, A. E.; Fornazzari, L.; Carlen, P. L. (May 1990). "Movement disorders in alcoholism: A review". Neurology. 40 (5): 741–746. doi:10.1212/wnl.40.5.741. PMID 2098000. S2CID 8940680.
  36. ^ a b Trenkwalder, Claudia; Zieglgänsberger, Walter; Ahmedzai, Sam H.; Högl, Birgit (March 2017). "Pain, opioids, and sleep: implications for restless legs syndrome treatment". Sleep Medicine. 31: 78–85. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2016.09.017. PMID 27964861.
  37. ^ Crotti, Francesco Maria; Carai, A.; Carai, M.; Sgaramella, E.; Sias, W. (2005). "Entrapment of crural branches of the common peroneal nerve". Advanced Peripheral Nerve Surgery and Minimal Invasive Spinal Surgery. Acta Neurochirurgica. Vol. 97. pp. 69–70. doi:10.1007/3-211-27458-8_15. ISBN 978-3-211-23368-9. PMID 15830971.
  38. ^ a b Aukerman, M. M.; Aukerman, D.; Bayard, M.; Tudiver, F.; Thorp, L.; Bailey, B. (1 September 2006). "Exercise and Restless Legs Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial". The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 19 (5): 487–493. doi:10.3122/jabfm.19.5.487. PMID 16951298. S2CID 34376834.
  39. ^ Phillips, Barbara A.; Britz, Pat; Hening, Wayne (1 October 2005). "The NSF 2005 Sleep in American Poll and those at risk for RLS". Chest. 128 (4): 133S. doi:10.1378/chest.128.4_MeetingAbstracts.133S. Gale A138392919 ProQuest 200457669.
  40. ^ Lavigne, GJ; Montplaisir, JY (1994). "Restless legs syndrome and sleep bruxism: prevalence and association among Canadians". Sleep. 17 (8): 739–43. PMID 7701186.
  41. ^ Connor, J.R.; Boyer, P.J.; Menzies, S.L.; Dellinger, B.; Allen, R.P.; Ondo, W.G.; Earley, C.J. (2003). "Neuropathological examination suggests impaired brain iron acquisition in restless legs syndrome". Neurology. 61 (3): 304–9. doi:10.1212/01.WNL.0000078887.16593.12. PMID 12913188. S2CID 44703083.
  42. ^ Desautels, Alex; Turecki, Gustavo; Montplaisir, Jacques; Sequeira, Adolfo; Verner, Andrei; Rouleau, Guy A. (2001). "Identification of a Major Susceptibility Locus for Restless Legs Syndrome on Chromosome 12q". The American Journal of Human Genetics. 69 (6): 1266–70. doi:10.1086/324649. PMC 1235538. PMID 11704926.
  43. ^ Desautels, A.; Turecki, G; Montplaisir, J; Xiong, L; Walters, AS; Ehrenberg, BL; Brisebois, K; Desautels, AK; Gingras, Y; Johnson, WG; Lugaresi, E; Coccagna, G; Picchietti, DL; Lazzarini, A; Rouleau, GA (2005). "Restless Legs Syndrome: Confirmation of Linkage to Chromosome 12q, Genetic Heterogeneity, and Evidence of Complexity". Archives of Neurology. 62 (4): 591–6. doi:10.1001/archneur.62.4.591. PMID 15824258.
  44. ^ Winkelmann, Juliane; Lichtner, Peter; Pütz, Benno; Trenkwalder, Claudia; Hauk, Stephanie; Meitinger, Thomas; Strom, Tim; Muller-Myhsok, Bertram (2006). "Evidence for further genetic locus heterogeneity and confirmation of RLS-1 in restless legs syndrome". Movement Disorders. 21 (1): 28–33. doi:10.1002/mds.20627. PMID 16124010. S2CID 25736900.
  45. ^ Bonati, M. T. (2003). "Autosomal dominant restless legs syndrome maps on chromosome 14q". Brain. 126 (6): 1485–92. doi:10.1093/brain/awg137. PMID 12764067.
  46. ^ Levchenko, Anastasia; Montplaisir, Jacques-Yves; Dubé, Marie-Pierre; Riviere, Jean-Baptiste; St-Onge, Judith; Turecki, Gustavo; Xiong, Lan; Thibodeau, Pascale; Desautels, Alex; Verlaan, Dominique J.; Rouleau, Guy A. (2004). "The 14q restless legs syndrome locus in the French Canadian population". Annals of Neurology. 55 (6): 887–91. doi:10.1002/ana.20140. PMID 15174026. S2CID 31001901.
  47. ^ Kemlink, David; Polo, Olli; Montagna, Pasquale; Provini, Federica; Stiasny-Kolster, Karin; Oertel, Wolfgang; De Weerd, Al; Nevsimalova, Sona; Sonka, Karel; Högl, Birgit; Frauscher, Birgit; Poewe, Werner; Trenkwalder, Claudia; Pramstaller, Peter P.; Ferini-Strambi, Luigi; Zucconi, Marco; Konofal, Eric; Arnulf, Isabelle; Hadjigeorgiou, Georgios M.; Happe, Svenja; Klein, Christine; Hiller, Anja; Lichtner, Peter; Meitinger, Thomas; Müller-Myshok, Betram; Winkelmann, Juliane (2007). "Family-based association study of the restless legs syndrome loci 2 and 3 in a European population". Movement Disorders. 22 (2): 207–12. doi:10.1002/mds.21254. PMID 17133505. S2CID 34801702.
  48. ^ Chen, Shenghan; Ondo, William G.; Rao, Shaoqi; Li, Lin; Chen, Qiuyun; Wang, Qing (2004). "Genomewide Linkage Scan Identifies a Novel Susceptibility Locus for Restless Legs Syndrome on Chromosome 9p". The American Journal of Human Genetics. 74 (5): 876–885. doi:10.1086/420772. PMC 1181982. PMID 15077200.
  49. ^ Liebetanz, K. M.; Winkelmann, J; Trenkwalder, C; Pütz, B; Dichgans, M; Gasser, T; Müller-Myhsok, B (2006). "RLS3: Fine-mapping of an autosomal dominant locus in a family with intrafamilial heterogeneity". Neurology. 67 (2): 320–321. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000224886.65213.b5. PMID 16864828. S2CID 20796797.
  50. ^ Lohmann-Hedrich, K.; Neumann, A.; Kleensang, A.; Lohnau, T.; Muhle, H.; Djarmati, A.; König, I. R.; Pramstaller, P. P.; Schwinger, E.; Kramer, P. L.; Ziegler, A.; Stephani, U.; Klein, C. (2008). "Evidence for linkage of restless legs syndrome to chromosome 9p: Are there two distinct loci?". Neurology. 70 (9): 686–694. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000282760.07650.ba. PMID 18032746. S2CID 24889954.
  51. ^ Levchenko, A.; Provost, S; Montplaisir, JY; Xiong, L; St-Onge, J; Thibodeau, P; Rivière, JB; Desautels, A; Turecki, G; Dubé, M. P.; Rouleau, G. A. (2006). "A novel autosomal dominant restless legs syndrome locus maps to chromosome 20p13". Neurology. 67 (5): 900–901. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000233991.20410.b6. PMID 16966564. S2CID 20555259.
  52. ^ Pichler, Irene; Marroni, Fabio; Beu Volpato, Claudia; Gusella, James F.; Klein, Christine; Casari, Giorgio; De Grandi, Alessandro; Pramstaller, Peter P. (2006). "Linkage Analysis Identifies a Novel Locus for Restless Legs Syndrome on Chromosome 2q in a South Tyrolean Population Isolate". The American Journal of Human Genetics. 79 (4): 716–23. doi:10.1086/507875. PMC 1592574. PMID 16960808.
  53. ^ Levchenko, Anastasia; Montplaisir, Jacques-Yves; Asselin, GéRaldine; Provost, Sylvie; Girard, Simon L.; Xiong, Lan; Lemyre, Emmanuelle; St-Onge, Judith; Thibodeau, Pascale; Desautels, Alex; Turecki, Gustavo; Gaspar, Claudia; Dubé, Marie-Pierre; Rouleau, Guy A. (2009). "Autosomal-dominant locus for restless legs syndrome in French-Canadians on chromosome 16p12.1". Movement Disorders. 24 (1): 40–50. doi:10.1002/mds.22263. PMID 18946881. S2CID 7796597.
  54. ^ Winkelmann, Juliane; Schormair, Barbara; Lichtner, Peter; Ripke, Stephan; Xiong, Lan; Jalilzadeh, Shapour; Fulda, Stephany; Pütz, Benno; Eckstein, Gertrud; Hauk, Stephanie; Trenkwalder, Claudia; Zimprich, Alexander; Stiasny-Kolster, Karin; Oertel, Wolfgang; Bachmann, Cornelius G; Paulus, Walter; Peglau, Ines; Eisensehr, Ilonka; Montplaisir, Jacques; Turecki, Gustavo; Rouleau, Guy; Gieger, Christian; Illig, Thomas; Wichmann, H-Erich; Holsboer, Florian; Müller-Myhsok, Bertram; Meitinger, Thomas (2007). "Genome-wide association study of restless legs syndrome identifies common variants in three genomic regions". Nature Genetics. 39 (8): 1000–6. doi:10.1038/ng2099. PMID 17637780. S2CID 10606410.
  55. ^ Ding, Li; Getz, Gad; Wheeler, David A.; Mardis, Elaine R.; McLellan, Michael D.; Cibulskis, Kristian; Sougnez, Carrie; Greulich, Heidi; Muzny, Donna M.; Morgan, Margaret B.; Fulton, Lucinda; Fulton, Robert S.; Zhang, Qunyuan; Wendl, Michael C.; Lawrence, Michael S.; Larson, David E.; Chen, Ken; Dooling, David J.; Sabo, Aniko; Hawes, Alicia C.; Shen, Hua; Jhangiani, Shalini N.; Lewis, Lora R.; Hall, Otis; Zhu, Yiming; Mathew, Tittu; Ren, Yanru; Yao, Jiqiang; Scherer, Steven E.; Clerc, Kerstin (2008). "Somatic mutations affect key pathways in lung adenocarcinoma". Nature. 455 (7216): 1069–75. Bibcode:2008Natur.455.1069D. doi:10.1038/nature07423. PMC 2694412. PMID 18948947.
  56. ^ Stefansson, Hreinn; Rye, David B.; Hicks, Andrew; Petursson, Hjorvar; Ingason, Andres; Thorgeirsson, Thorgeir E.; Palsson, Stefan; Sigmundsson, Thordur; Sigurdsson, Albert P.; Eiriksdottir, Ingibjorg; Soebech, Emilia; Bliwise, Donald; Beck, Joseph M.; Rosen, Ami; Waddy, Salina; Trotti, Lynn M.; Iranzo, Alex; Thambisetty, Madhav; Hardarson, Gudmundur A.; Kristjansson, Kristleifur; Gudmundsson, Larus J.; Thorsteinsdottir, Unnur; Kong, Augustine; Gulcher, Jeffrey R.; Gudbjartsson, Daniel; Stefansson, Kari (16 August 2007). "A Genetic Risk Factor for Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep". New England Journal of Medicine. 357 (7): 639–647. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa072743. PMID 17634447. S2CID 44726156.
  57. ^ a b Moore, H; Winkelmann, J; Lin, L; Finn, L; Peppard, P; Mignot, E (2014). "Periodic leg movements during sleep are associated with polymorphisms in BTBD9, TOX3/BC034767, MEIS1, MAP2K5/SKOR1, and PTPRD". Sleep. 37 (9): 1535–1542. doi:10.5665/sleep.4006. PMC 4153066. PMID 25142570.
  58. ^ Allen, Richard (July 2004). "Dopamine and iron in the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome (RLS)". Sleep Medicine. 5 (4): 385–391. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2004.01.012. PMID 15222997.
  59. ^ Clemens, S.; Rye, D.; Hochman, S. (11 July 2006). "Restless legs syndrome: Revisiting the dopamine hypothesis from the spinal cord perspective". Neurology. 67 (1): 125–130. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000223316.53428.c9. PMID 16832090. S2CID 40963114.
  60. ^ Barrière, G.; Cazalets, J.R.; Bioulac, B.; Tison, F.; Ghorayeb, I. (October 2005). "The restless legs syndrome". Progress in Neurobiology. 77 (3): 139–165. doi:10.1016/j.pneurobio.2005.10.007. PMID 16300874. S2CID 9327680.
  61. ^ Dauvilliers, Yves; Winkelmann, Juliane (November 2013). "Restless legs syndrome: update on pathogenesis". Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 19 (6): 594–600. doi:10.1097/MCP.0b013e328365ab07. PMID 24048084. S2CID 20370566.
  62. ^ Klein, Marianne O.; Battagello, Daniella S.; Cardoso, Ariel R.; Hauser, David N.; Bittencourt, Jackson C.; Correa, Ricardo G. (January 2019). "Dopamine: Functions, Signaling, and Association with Neurological Diseases". Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology. 39 (1): 31–59. doi:10.1007/s10571-018-0632-3. PMID 30446950. S2CID 53567202.
  63. ^ Garcia-Borreguero, Diego; Williams, Anne-Marie (August 2014). "An update on restless legs syndrome (Willis-Ekbom disease): clinical features, pathogenesis and treatment". Current Opinion in Neurology. 27 (4): 493–501. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000117. PMID 24978636.
  64. ^ Paulus, Walter; Trenkwalder, Claudia (October 2006). "Less is more: pathophysiology of dopaminergic-therapy-related augmentation in restless legs syndrome". The Lancet Neurology. 5 (10): 878–886. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(06)70576-2. PMID 16987735. S2CID 43111931.
  65. ^ Allen, Richard P.; Montplaisir, Jacques; Walters, Arthur Scott; Ferini-Strambi, Luigi; Högl, Birgit (2017), "Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movements During Sleep", Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine, Elsevier, pp. 923–934.e6, doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-24288-2.00095-7, ISBN 9780323242882
  66. ^ a b Sateia, Michael J (November 2014). "International Classification of Sleep Disorders-Third Edition". Chest. 146 (5): 1387–1394. doi:10.1378/chest.14-0970. PMID 25367475.
  67. ^ a b Breen, DP; Högl, B; Fasano, A; Trenkwalder, C; Lang, AE (July 2018). "Sleep-related motor and behavioral disorders: Recent advances and new entities". Movement Disorders. 33 (7): 1042–1055. doi:10.1002/mds.27375. PMID 29756278. S2CID 21672153.
  68. ^ "Restless legs syndrome—Treatment". National Health Service. 6 August 2018. Archived from the original on 15 May 2019. Retrieved 17 March 2019.
  69. ^ "Restless Legs Syndrome | Baylor Medicine". www.bcm.edu. Archived from the original on 2023-11-05. Retrieved 2023-11-06.
  70. ^ a b Allen, Richard P.; Earley, Christopher J. (2001). "Restless Legs Syndrome". Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology. 18 (2): 128–47. doi:10.1097/00004691-200103000-00004. PMID 11435804. S2CID 34082653.
  71. ^ Pacheco, Danielle; Wright, Heather (2023-05-05). "Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)". Sleep Foundation. Archived from the original on 2023-06-06. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  72. ^ Foy, Jonette. "Regulation Name: Vibratory counter-stimulation device" (PDF). Food and Drug Administration. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 October 2014. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
  73. ^ Trotti, Lynn M; Becker, Lorne A (4 January 2019). "Iron for the treatment of restless legs syndrome". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Systematic review). 2019 (1): CD007834. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007834.pub3. PMC 6353229. PMID 30609006.
  74. ^ Zintzaras, Elias; Kitsios, Georgios D.; Papathanasiou, Afroditi A.; Konitsiotis, Spiros; Miligkos, Michael; Rodopoulou, Paraskevi; Hadjigeorgiou, George M. (February 2010). "Randomized trials of dopamine agonists in restless legs syndrome: A systematic review, quality assessment, and meta-analysis". Clinical Therapeutics. 32 (2): 221–237. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2010.01.028. PMID 20206780.
  75. ^ Winkelman, John W.; Armstrong, Melissa J.; Allen, Richard P.; Chaudhuri, K. Ray; Ondo, William; Trenkwalder, Claudia; Zee, Phyllis C.; Gronseth, Gary S.; Gloss, David; Zesiewicz, Theresa (13 December 2016). "Practice guideline summary: Treatment of restless legs syndrome in adults: Table: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology". Neurology. 87 (24): 2585–2593. doi:10.1212/wnl.0000000000003388. PMC 5206998. PMID 27856776.
  76. ^ Scholz, Hanna; Trenkwalder, Claudia; Kohnen, Ralf; Kriston, Levente; Riemann, Dieter; Hornyak, Magdolna (15 March 2011). "Dopamine agonists for the treatment of restless legs syndrome". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2011 (5): CD006009. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006009.pub2. PMC 8908466. PMID 21412893.
  77. ^ Scholz, Hanna; Trenkwalder, Claudia; Kohnen, Ralf; Kriston, Levente; Riemann, Dieter; Hornyak, Magdolna (15 February 2011). "Levodopa for the treatment of restless legs syndrome". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2011 (5): CD005504. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005504.pub2. PMC 8889887. PMID 21328278. S2CID 196338172.
  78. ^ Zanettini, Renzo; Antonini, Angelo; Gatto, Gemma; Gentile, Rosa; Tesei, Silvana; Pezzoli, Gianni (4 January 2007). "Valvular Heart Disease and the Use of Dopamine Agonists for Parkinson's Disease". New England Journal of Medicine. 356 (1): 39–46. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa054830. PMID 17202454.
  79. ^ a b Mackie, Susan; Winkelman, John W. (May 2015). "Long-Term Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): An Approach to Management of Worsening Symptoms, Loss of Efficacy, and Augmentation". CNS Drugs. 29 (5): 351–357. doi:10.1007/s40263-015-0250-2. PMID 26045290.
  80. ^ Quilici, S.; Abrams, K.R.; Nicolas, A.; Martin, M.; Petit, C.; LLeu, P.-L.; Finnern, H.W. (October 2008). "Meta-analysis of the efficacy and tolerability of pramipexole versus ropinirole in the treatment of restless legs syndrome". Sleep Medicine. 9 (7): 715–726. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2007.11.020. PMID 18226947.
  81. ^ Tippmann-Peikert, M.; Park, J. G.; Boeve, B. F.; Shepard, J. W.; Silber, M. H. (2007). "Pathologic gambling in patients with restless legs syndrome treated with dopaminergic agonists". Neurology. 68 (4): 301–3. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000252368.25106.b6. PMID 17242339. S2CID 26183000.
  82. ^ a b Aurora, R. Nisha; Kristo, David A.; Bista, Sabin R.; Rowley, James A.; Zak, Rochelle S.; Casey, Kenneth R.; Lamm, Carin I.; Tracy, Sharon L.; Rosenberg, Richard S. (August 2012). "The Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder in Adults—An Update for 2012: Practice Parameters with an Evidence-Based Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses". Sleep. 35 (8): 1039–1062. doi:10.5665/sleep.1988. PMC 3397811. PMID 22851801.
  83. ^ a b Zhou X, Du J, Liang Y, Dai C, Zhao L, Liu X, Tan C, Mo L, Chen L (2021). "The Efficacy and Safety of Pharmacological Treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome: Systemic Review and Network Meta-Analysis". Front Neurosci. 15: 751643. doi:10.3389/fnins.2021.751643. PMC 8576256. PMID 34764852.
  84. ^ a b Wanner V, Garcia Malo C, Romero S, Cano-Pumarega I, García-Borreguero D (2019). "Non-dopaminergic vs. dopaminergic treatment options in restless legs syndrome". Pharmacology of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Adv Pharmacol. Vol. 84. pp. 187–205. doi:10.1016/bs.apha.2019.02.003. ISBN 9780128167588. PMID 31229171. S2CID 88409441.
  85. ^ a b c Riccardi S, Ferri R, Garbazza C, Miano S, Manconi M (April 2023). "Pharmacological responsiveness of periodic limb movements in patients with restless legs syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis". J Clin Sleep Med. 19 (4): 811–822. doi:10.5664/jcsm.10440. PMC 10071388. PMID 36692194.
  86. ^ Iftikhar IH, Alghothani L, Trotti LM (December 2017). "Gabapentin enacarbil, pregabalin and rotigotine are equally effective in restless legs syndrome: a comparative meta-analysis". Eur J Neurol. 24 (12): 1446–1456. doi:10.1111/ene.13449. PMID 28888061. S2CID 22262972.
  87. ^ Trenkwalder, Claudia; Winkelmann, Juliane; Inoue, Yuichi; Paulus, Walter (August 2015). "Restless legs syndrome—current therapies and management of augmentation". Nature Reviews Neurology. 11 (8): 434–445. doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2015.122. PMID 26215616. S2CID 22534190.
  88. ^ a b Carlos K, Prado GF, Teixeira CD, Conti C, de Oliveira MM, Prado LB, Carvalho LB (2017). "Benzodiazepines for restless legs syndrome". Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 (3): CD006939. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006939.pub2. PMC 6464545. PMID 28319266.
  89. ^ Garcia-Borreguero, Diego; Stillman, Paul; Benes, Heike; Buschmann, Heiner; Chaudhuri, K Ray; Gonzalez Rodríguez, Victor M; Högl, Birgit; Kohnen, Ralf; Monti, Giorgio Carlo; Stiasny-Kolster, Karin; Trenkwalder, Claudia; Williams, Anne-Marie; Zucconi, Marco (December 2011). "Algorithms for the diagnosis and treatment of restless legs syndrome in primary care". BMC Neurology. 11 (1): 28. doi:10.1186/1471-2377-11-28. PMC 3056753. PMID 21352569.
  90. ^ a b c Fulda S, Wetter TC (April 2008). "Where dopamine meets opioids: a meta-analysis of the placebo effect in restless legs syndrome treatment studies". Brain. 131 (Pt 4): 902–17. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.602.8032. doi:10.1093/brain/awm244. PMID 17932100.
  91. ^ "HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION" (PDF). www.accessdata.fda.gov. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023. -INDICATIONS AND USAGE- MIRAPEX is a non-ergot dopamine agonist indicated for the treatment of: • Parkinson's disease (PD) • Moderate-to-severe primary Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
  92. ^ "HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION" (PDF). www.accessdata.fda.gov. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023. INDICATIONS AND USAGE -HORIZANT is indicated for: • treatment of moderate-to-severe primary Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in adults. • management of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults
  93. ^ a b c d e "Restless Legs Syndrome Factsheet". National Institutes of Health. Archived from the original on January 4, 2015. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
  94. ^ a b c d e Gamaldo, C. E.; Earley, C. J. (2006). "Restless Legs Syndrome: A Clinical Update". Chest. 130 (5): 1596–604. doi:10.1378/chest.130.5.1596. PMID 17099042.
  95. ^ Allen, R. P.; Walters, AS; Montplaisir, J; Hening, W; Myers, A; Bell, TJ; Ferini-Strambi, L (2005). "Restless Legs Syndrome Prevalence and Impact: REST General Population Study" (PDF). Archives of Internal Medicine. 165 (11): 1286–92. doi:10.1001/archinte.165.11.1286. PMID 15956009.
  96. ^ Berger, K.; Luedemann, J; Trenkwalder, C; John, U; Kessler, C (2004). "Sex and the Risk of Restless Legs Syndrome in the General Population". Archives of Internal Medicine. 164 (2): 196–202. doi:10.1001/archinte.164.2.196. PMID 14744844.
  97. ^ "Welcome – National Sleep Foundation". Archived from the original on 2007-07-28. Retrieved 2007-07-23.
  98. ^ Lee, Kathryn A.; Zaffke, Mary Ellen; Baratte-Beebe, Kathleen (2001). "Restless Legs Syndrome and Sleep Disturbance during Pregnancy: The Role of Folate and Iron". Journal of Women's Health & Gender-Based Medicine. 10 (4): 335–41. doi:10.1089/152460901750269652. PMID 11445024.
  99. ^ Trenkwalder, C; Allen, R; Högl, B; Paulus, W; Winkelmann, J (5 April 2016). "Restless legs syndrome associated with major diseases: A systematic review and new concept". Neurology. 86 (14): 1336–1343. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000002542. PMC 4826337. PMID 26944272.
  100. ^ "Sleeping By Trimesters: 3rd Trimester". National Sleep Foundation. Archived from the original on 2007-05-08.
  101. ^ Yeh, Paul; Walters, Arthur S.; Tsuang, John W. (December 2012). "Restless legs syndrome: a comprehensive overview on its epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment". Sleep and Breathing. 16 (4): 987–1007. doi:10.1007/s11325-011-0606-x. PMID 22038683. S2CID 24079411.
  102. ^ Hening, Wayne; Allen, Richard; Earley, Christopher; Kushida, Clete; Picchietti, Daniel; Silber, Michael (1999). "The Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder". Sleep. doi:10.1093/sleep/22.7.970.
  103. ^ Schormair, Barbara (November 2017). "Identification of novel risk loci for restless legs syndrome in genome-wide association studies in individuals of European ancestry: a meta-analysis". The Lancet Neurology. 16 (11): 898–907. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30327-7. PMC 5755468. PMID 29029846.
  104. ^ "Willis–Ekbom Disease Foundation Reverts to Original Name" (PDF). 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-24.
  105. ^ Wittmaack–Ekbom syndrome at Who Named It?
  106. ^ Woloshin, Steven; Schwartz, Lisa M. (2006). "Giving Legs to Restless Legs: A Case Study of How the Media Helps Make People Sick". PLOS Medicine. 3 (4): e170. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0030170. PMC 1434499. PMID 16597175.
  107. ^ Templeton, Sarah-Kate (August 6, 2006). "Glaxo's cure for 'restless legs' was an unlicensed drug". Times Online. Times Newspapers Ltd. Archived from the original on February 11, 2007. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
  108. ^ a b c Aurora, R. Nisha; Kristo, David A.; Bista, Sabin R.; Rowley, James A.; Zak, Rochelle S.; Casey, Kenneth R.; Lamm, Carin I.; Tracy, Sharon L.; Rosenberg, Richard S. (August 2012). "Update to the AASM Clinical Practice Guideline: "The Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder in Adults—An Update for 2012: Practice Parameters with an Evidence-Based Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses"". Sleep. 35 (8): 1037. doi:10.5665/sleep.1986. PMC 3397810. PMID 22851800.
[edit]