Restless-Legs-Syndrom

Restless-Legs-Syndrom: Definition

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is one of the most common neurological diseases. The disease is named after the compulsion to move the legs (and arms). The condition can occur at any age and symptoms can worsen with age. Women are affected twice as often as men.

Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome

On the one hand, restless legs syndrome can be idiopathic, i.e. without an identifiable cause . Studies have shown that the idiopathic variant runs in families.

In addition, restless legs syndrome can occur symptomatically as a result of other diseases. Diseases or conditions that can trigger restless legs syndrome include:

• iron deficiency
• thyroid dysfunction
• Renal insufficiency (including uraemia)
• pregnancy
• Polyneuropathy and Spinal Diseases
• Rheumatoide Arthritis
• Taking medication: Among other things, neuroleptics, tricyclic antidepressants and metoclopramide lead to the symptoms.

Although some disorders are now associated with restless legs syndrome, allowing for a better understanding of the disease, the exact pathophysiological causes remain unclear. Since therapy with dopamine achieves good results, it can be assumed that the exact cause is related to an imbalance in the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome

In addition to the urge to move the legs (and arms), there is discomfort, tingling and even pain . Patients describe the urge to move as a feeling of tension or pressure in the legs. The symptoms usually appear at rest, for example when sleeping or sitting. It also happens that the symptoms intensify in the evening and at night. As soon as the patient complies with the urge to move, the symptoms usually disappear. In some patients, periodic leg movementsin the form of kicking and twitching while sleeping. Due to the symptoms, the affected patients often suffer from sleep disorders, which can result in severe daytime sleepiness with difficulty concentrating.

Diagnose des Restless-Legs-Syndrom

You can first contact your general practitioner with your complaints. If necessary, they can refer you to a specialist. The specialist in neurological diseases is the neurologist .

In order to make the correct diagnosis, the doctor treating you will ask you a few questions about your symptoms during the anamnesis interview . He will also ask if family members also have the condition, as this will support the diagnosis. This will be followed by a physical exam , during which the doctor will assess the neurological status of your body. Usually no typical signs can be found in the physical examination.

A blood test can rule out another cause of the symptoms, such as iron deficiency or kidney failure.

In addition, a so-called polysomnography can provide information about sleep behavior. In the presence of sleep disorders, the exact triggers can be identified.

If restless legs syndrome is suspected, therapy with dopaminergic drugs should be started as a trial. If the symptoms improve during therapy, it can be assumed that the disease is present.

duration and prognosis

Restless legs syndrome has a good prognosis. With the right treatment, the symptoms can be brought under control in most cases. Nevertheless, it may be that the corresponding medication has to be taken for the rest of your life.

Restless Legs Syndrome: You can do this yourself

In addition to drug therapy, you should make sure to avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages . Also, certain rules and rituals can help improve sleep hygiene . It is helpful, for example, to get used to certain rituals before going to bed, such as reading a book before falling asleep. You should also try to get up and go to bed at the same time every day to get your body used to a regular rhythm. For more helpful tips, see the Insomnia article .

If the symptoms occur, massages , a cold shower and rubbing the skin on the legs can relieve the symptoms.

Therapie des Restless-Legs-Syndrom

The disease is usually treated with drugs using the dopaminergic preparations L-Dopa and dopamine agonists, i.e. substances that have a similar effect to L-Dopa. Together with the treating doctor, the individually appropriate dose must be found depending on the patient’s level of suffering.

If secondary Restless Legs Syndrome is present, the underlying condition should be treated first.

If the symptoms are triggered by taking certain medications, stopping the medication and finding an appropriate alternative should be considered together with the doctor.

Restless Legs Syndrome in Pregnancy

During pregnancy and the associated hormonal changes, restless legs syndrome can occur for the first time. An already existing disease can also worsen significantly. The first symptoms usually appear during the third trimester and disappear by the end of the pregnancy.

When to seek help

Restless Legs Syndrome can manifest itself in many different ways. As soon as you perceive the symptoms as bothersome and your sleep is affected , you should seek medical help. Insomnia can severely limit the quality of life with significant daytime tiredness and concentration difficulties. In addition, the sleep disorders can cause long-term complications such as depression .

Restless Legs Syndrome: How Can Med-Healths Help?

You can use the app to book a video appointment and talk to one of our doctors about your symptoms. The doctor can answer your questions on the subject and determine the first diagnostic clues. If Restless Legs Syndrome is suspected, they can refer you to an appropriate specialist. In addition, our doctor may, at his or her discretion, issue you with a sick note and prescription.