Dear Readers

JB writes from Norbrook, Kingston 8, asking what is Restless Legs Syndrome. She has been experiencing some twitching in her legs recently. She thought she had a nerves problem but after a few tests, her doctor told her she probably has Restless Leg Syndrome. She asks what this disorder really is? Is it curable? Will it worsen?

Restless Legs Syndrome(RLS) is, in fact, a neurological condition associated with symptoms in the legs (and sometimes also the arms), characterised by twitching, itching, tingling and burning sensations. Some people also describe a sensation of 'crawling inside their skin'. These symptoms are more pronounced at the end of the day when the affected person is tired and is also more pronounced under stressful situations.

upsetting sensations

When it is acting up it is almost impossible for a person to keep still. The upsetting sensations are relieved with motion or movement. Sitting still and even falling asleep can at times seem an almost impossible task. People with RLS need to move the affected limb(s) in order to relieve the offensive sensations.

Restless legs syndrome tends to occur in older people, between 50 and 60 years, but can occur in younger people. Many who feel tense and uncomfortable when they have to sit or stand still for prolonged periods of time actually have this disorder without recognising it! Most causes of RLS are inherited. It runs in families and gets worse with increasing age. However, it can sometimes occur 'de nouveae' (for the first time) in people with chronic disorders such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, alcoholism, kidney disease, anaemia, Parkinson's disease and under condition of peripheral nerve damage. It can also occur transiently during pregnancy.

The real cause of RLS is not really known but it is believed to occur because of a problem with the nervous system at the brain level or spinal cord. There are no tests for RLS and the diagnosis is usually made after investigations have ruled out other medical conditions.

Although RLS usually cannot be cured, it can be treated successfully with a number of preparations. Traditional drugs would include medication used to treat people with Parkinson's disease, for example, levo dopa, carbidopa, sinemet, and parlodel (bromocriptine).

risk

Benzodiazepines (tranquillisers) can be taken (prescribed) at times, (in a restricted fashion due to the risk of addiction) at bedtime in particular, to relax the muscles and to make it easier for the individual to sleep.

Prescribed pain killers can also be taken to dull the discomfort experienced in the limbs, again under the supervision of a physician cognisant of the risk of prescription drug abuse.

Several people with RLS also have a disorder called fibromyalgia which causes aches and pains in the muscles and joints and is best diagnosed and treated by an orthopaedic surgeon or rheumatologist.

Write to: Lifeline

PO Box 1731

Kgn 8 AJM