Restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome is a relatively common condition that affects approximately 1 to 5 percent of the population. Restless legs syndrome is particularly common among persons over the age of 50. The cause of restless legs syndrome is unknown, but approximately one third of the persons who have this condition also have other family members with restless legs syndrome, indicating that there is probably some genetic link. Some of the more common risk factors for having restless legs syndrome is living a sedentary life style, smoking, the consumption of alcohol, and caffeine. Some prescription drugs, notably anti-depressants may even worsen the symptoms of Restless legs syndrome.
Persons with restless legs syndrome have a vague but intense feeling or sensation of crawling within the muscles of the legs. I compare the sensation to having ants crawling around inside the muscles of my legs. Persons with this condition generally feel an intense urge to move their legs while sitting down or laying in bed at night. During sleep the legs may jerk and move uncontrollably and involuntarily, sometimes to the point of kicking their partner or even awakening themselves, resulting in sleep loss. Sometimes the only thing that can relieve the symptoms of restless legs syndrome is to get up out of bed and move about.
As I stated on other pages of this site, I am not a medical doctor and only your physician is qualified to diagnose or recommend any course of treatment for restless legs syndrome. If you feel you or loved may have restless legs syndrome I would urge you to consult with your doctor. As restless legs syndrome is often considered a sleep disorder, your physician may also request a sleep study. There are medications that can and do help relieve the symptoms and sensations, and make your life with restless legs syndrome a bit more tolerable. But as the title of this website says, some of the medications can have some potentially devastating side effects. So if your doctor prescribes Mirapex or any similar drug please be certain to ask him or her about the potential for developing compulsive disorders, especially gambling.
I again wish to thank you for taking the time visiting this site and if you are aware of any errors or omissions in the information that I have provided about the topic of restless legs syndrome I would greatly appreciate your contacting me.