Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome

A condition defined as a distressing need or urge to move the legs (or arms)—akathisia—usually accompanied by an uncomfortable deep-seated sensation in the legs that is brought on by rest—sitting or lying down, relieved by moving or walking, and worse at night or in the evening. RLS may be accompanied by involuntary limb movements while the patient is asleep
Management For nightly symptoms, dopaminergics are the agents of first choice, opiates second choice; for pain, gabapentin, opiates, dopaminergics, then sedative-hypnotics

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restless leg syndrome

Nocturnal myoclonus Sleep disorders A clinical complex characterized by nocturnal cramping of the anterior calf, restlessness, a feeling of heaviness, aching, painful paresthesia and tingling in legs with uncontrolled twitching, relieved by movement; RLS is worse at night and with recumbency, and interferes with sleep; other features include stereotypic triple flexion movement of the legs that occur at regular intervals during sleep, myotonic movements while awake and asleep, insomnia, family Hx Management Home remedies–eg, hot baths, creams and cotton stockings may be as effective as clonidine, benzodiazepines, opiates, l-dopa, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. See Sleep disorders. Cf Periodic limb movement disorder.

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Patient discussion about Restless Leg Syndrome.

Q. i have restless legs at night . could someone help me with what meds i should take

A. It sounds to me like you have Restless legs syndrome (RLS). The most distinctive or unusual aspect of the condition is that lying down and trying to relax activates the symptoms. As a result, most people with RLS have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. I've heard that the way to treat RLS, with mild to moderate symptoms, is prevention. Certain lifestyle changes and activities can reduce or eliminate symptoms. Decreased use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may provide some relief. Sometimes Physicians suggest that patients take iron, folate, and magnesium supplements. There are also a variety of medications that can be used to treat RLS, however, as most of these medications require prescriptions, I suggest you go see your Dr. about this condition.