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Restless leg syndrome - Overview

Alternative Names

Nocturnal myoclonus; RLS; Akathisia

Definition of Restless leg syndrome:

Restless leg syndrome is a disorder in which there is an urge or need to move the legs to stop unpleasant sensations.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults. Stress makes it worse. The cause is not known in most patients.

RLS may occur more often in patients with:

A form of RLS may be passed down in families. This may be a factor when symptoms start at a younger age. The abnormal gene has not yet been identified.

Restless leg syndrome can result in a decreased quality of sleep (insomnia). This lack of sleep can lead to daytime sleepiness, anxiety or depression, and confusion or slowed thought processes.

  • Reviewed last on: 8/28/2009
  • Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Bayard M, Avonda T, Wadzinski J. Restless legs syndrome. Am Fam Physician. 2008;78(2):235-240.

Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

Kushida CA. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and quality of life issues in restless legs syndrome. Am J Med. 2007;120:S4-S12.

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