Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common movement disorders that occurs while awake and prolongs sleep onset. Its symptoms are characterized as the uncontrollable urge to move legs accompanied with an unpleasant sensation during rest or inactivity. It has a circadian component which means it tends to be worse at night. Characteristics essential in diagnosing RLS may include: Urge to move the legs, movement is often accompanied by strange, unpleasant sensations, it usually affects both legs (not always equally),
the movement is not unconscious but driven by an uncomfortably sensory input and it is usually relieved with movement. There are many causes including: iron deficiency, pregnancy, renal failure and mood stabilizing medications such as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. There is also a strong familial component seen with RLS. Treatment may involve pharmacologic approaches along with iron replacement and changing medications that might be making the condition worse.
