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What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome is a frequent clinical entity, especially after the second decade of life.
However, it does not mean that it cannot be presented before this time, even the most severe cases are before that age.
In addition, it is linked to sleep disorders. Learn, what is restless leg syndrome?
What is restless leg syndrome?
It is a neurological disorder, considered a movement disorder, whose main characteristic is a feeling of discomfort and discomfort in the lower limbs.
This discomfort is reflected as an urgent need to move the lower limbs. At the same time, the sensation may appear at night or during moments of rest.
The predominance in the schedule in the appearance of the symptoms, prevents a correct conciliation of the dream.
Consequently, those who suffer from it do not sleep well, have a greater predisposition to stress and the quality of life is compromised.
Causes of restless legs syndrome
Currently, a cause of leg discomfort has not been proven. However, the syndrome could have a genetic basis, because in most of the registered cases there is a family component.
Also, the genetic pathological processes that cause the symptoms are not known.
On the other hand, there are other hypotheses such as iron deficiency. The importance of this is that iron is part of the receptor for a neurotransmitter called dopamine.
In turn, dopamine is an element that interferes with the body's motor control.
All this means that iron deficiency in the dopamine receptor can cause interference in its function, such as a movement disorder.
The theory is supported because by administering dopamine to patients with restless legs syndrome, symptoms decrease.
For its part, this syndrome is linked to damage to the spinal cord. Another small percentage affects pregnant women, but the symptoms disappear postpartum.
Symptoms of restless legs syndrome
Basically, the symptoms that patients can refer are the following.
Uncomfortable sensation in the legs, which usually begins during rest and relieves with movement.
Difficulty sleeping
Also, patients do not know how to describe the discomfort and involuntary movements of the lower limbs. What is manifested by all is the need to move the legs.
To this is added, that most of the symptoms appear at night.
Criteria for diagnosing restless legs syndrome
The diagnosis should be guided by a good questioning of the patient, in addition to the physical examination.
Your doctor may be able to ask you some of the following questions to assess your sleep disorder.
How have you slept in the last few weeks?
When and how did the symptoms begin?
Does any other family member have the same symptoms?
Are you tired during the day?
How would you describe the feeling in your legs?
Are the symptoms worse at night?
Now, the European Group for the study of restless legs syndrome, establish the following criteria.
Urgent need to move your legs
Motor restlessness manifested by tossing and turning, rubbing the legs.
Symptoms get worse with rest and improve with activity.
Presence of associated phenomena such as sleep disorder.
Symptoms are most intense in the evening hours before bedtime.
Are laboratory studies needed to diagnose restless legs syndrome?
The diagnosis of this disease is clinical, that is, by the symptoms observed in the patient, but complementary tests such as studies to evaluate sleep can be requested.
However, these tests are ordered by a specialist doctor to confirm the diagnosis.
Differential diagnostics
The health specialist must perform an analysis to rule out that these discomforts are not being caused by any of the following disorders.
Akathisia
Cramps
Venous insufficiency of the lower limbs
Neuropathies
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Anxiety
Restless leg syndrome treatment
The mainstay of therapy is treating the primary cause of the syndrome. If it is due to lack of iron, then the diet must be supplemented.
At the same time, the first-line drugs used are drugs similar to the endogenous neurotransmitter, dopamine.
It is worth mentioning that the addition of any medication depends on the severity of the symptoms.
If the patient cannot tolerate discomfort, then drug treatment is necessary. Additionally, benzodiazepines are used to manage insomnia.
