Summer BanksRestless legs syndrome
September 8th 2006 22:45
Restless legs syndrome :
Restless legs syndrome is a feeling of uneasiness, shakiness, twitching, and restlessness that affects the legs after a patient has gone to bed for the night. Insomnia is almost always a result of the syndrome.
Causes :
The precise cause of the syndrome is not known, although some authorities consider it to be brought about, or intensified, by poor blood circulation; others say that it can be brought about by intense physical activity just before bedtime. Restless leg syndrome has also been associated with iron and folate deficiencies, renal failure, and diabetes. The syndrome occurs in up to 25 percent of pregnant women.
Symptoms :
The patient often has difficulty falling asleep in the evening because of an uncomfortable feeling or a jerking sensation within the legs, usually located in the thighs and calves. The discomfort is often relieved by moving about, but as a result, normal sleep is largely prevented. Consequently, the person may be excessively tired the next day.
Diagnosis :
The diagnosis can generally be made on the basis of the patient's medical history and report of symptoms. The physician will perform a physical examination to rule out more serious disorders.
Treatment :
Since the syndrome has been connected with circulatory disorders, drugs that increase the circulation to the lower extremities may prove helpful. A mild sedative at bedtime may also be useful.
Restless legs syndrome is a feeling of uneasiness, shakiness, twitching, and restlessness that affects the legs after a patient has gone to bed for the night. Insomnia is almost always a result of the syndrome.
Causes :
The precise cause of the syndrome is not known, although some authorities consider it to be brought about, or intensified, by poor blood circulation; others say that it can be brought about by intense physical activity just before bedtime. Restless leg syndrome has also been associated with iron and folate deficiencies, renal failure, and diabetes. The syndrome occurs in up to 25 percent of pregnant women.
Symptoms :
The patient often has difficulty falling asleep in the evening because of an uncomfortable feeling or a jerking sensation within the legs, usually located in the thighs and calves. The discomfort is often relieved by moving about, but as a result, normal sleep is largely prevented. Consequently, the person may be excessively tired the next day.
Diagnosis :
The diagnosis can generally be made on the basis of the patient's medical history and report of symptoms. The physician will perform a physical examination to rule out more serious disorders.
Treatment :
Since the syndrome has been connected with circulatory disorders, drugs that increase the circulation to the lower extremities may prove helpful. A mild sedative at bedtime may also be useful.
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