Restless Legs Syndrome: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate restless legs syndrome (RLS): Leading symptoms (essential criteria). Motor restlessness: spontaneous leg movements/optionally also of the arms (in resting situation 50% of cases); imperative urge to move (in resting situation 95%). Dysesthesias (insensations; at rest 91% of cases) such as tingling, pulling, drilling, burning, itching, cold or heat … Restless Legs Syndrome: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Restless Legs Syndrome: Causes

Pathogenesis (disease development) One can distinguish a primary (genetic disposition) from a secondary (symptomatic) form of restless legs syndrome (RLS).The pathogenesis probably lies in a disorder in the area of neurotransmitters, especially in the area of dopamine (biogenic amine from the group of catecholamines; neurotransmitter). Furthermore, a disturbance of the iron metabolism is the cause. … Restless Legs Syndrome: Causes

Restless Legs Syndrome: Therapy

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is treated with multimodal therapy, which means that potentially triggering or exacerbating factors must be eliminated in addition to drug and nondrug measures. General measures Avoidance of sleep deprivation Participation in sleep hygiene counseling Limited alcohol consumption (men: max. 25 g alcohol per day; women: max. 12 g alcohol per day). … Restless Legs Syndrome: Therapy

Restless Legs Syndrome: Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome (RLS). Family history Is there more than one affected person in your family? Social anamnesis Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). Do you suffer from a strong urge to move your legs while awake or asleep? Have … Restless Legs Syndrome: Medical History

Restless Legs Syndrome: Micronutrient Therapy

An at-risk group indicates the possibility that the condition may be associated with the risk of vital nutrient deficiency. The complaint restless legs syndrome indicates a vital nutrient deficiency for: Magnesium Within the framework of micronutrient medicine, the following vital substances (micronutrients) are used for supportive therapy: Magnesium The above vital substance recommendations were created … Restless Legs Syndrome: Micronutrient Therapy

Restless Legs Syndrome: Prevention

To prevent restless legs syndrome (RLS), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – iron deficiency; see Prevention with micronutrients. Pleasure food consumption Alcohol Coffee Tobacco (smoking) Drug use Opiates – powerful painkillers such as morphine. Sleep deprivation – this can have an acute exacerbating … Restless Legs Syndrome: Prevention

Restless Legs Syndrome: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Blood-forming organs-immune system (D50-D90). Iron-deficiency anemia (anemia due to iron deficiency). Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). B12 deficiency* Folic acid deficiency* Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure). Chronic venous insufficiency – skin and vein changes due to circulatory disorders of the vessels. Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (pAVK) – progressive stenosis or occlusion … Restless Legs Syndrome: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Restless Legs Syndrome: Complications

The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by restless legs syndrome (RLS): Cardiovascular system (I00-I99). Coronary artery disease (CAD) – in women with existing RLS for at least 3 years. Psyche – nervous system (F00-F99; G00-G99). Erectile dysfunction (ED, erectile dysfunction). Insomnia (sleep disorders) – difficulty falling asleep … Restless Legs Syndrome: Complications

Restless Legs Syndrome: Classification

Consensus diagnostic criteria for restless legs syndrome (RLS) from the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG). RLS is diagnosed by identifying the symptom pattern that meets the following five essential criteria; clinical clues to the course are added as appropriate. Criterion Description Essential diagnostic criteria (all must be met): 1 Urge to move the … Restless Legs Syndrome: Classification

Restless Legs Syndrome: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes Aisle Extremities Auscultation (listening) of the heart Auscultation of the lungs Palpation (palpation) of the abdomen (abdomen) (tenderness?, knocking pain?, coughing pain?, defensive tension?, hernial … Restless Legs Syndrome: Examination

Restless Legs Syndrome: Test and Diagnosis

1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count – to exclude anemia (anemia). Electrolytes – calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium. Iron metabolism diagnostics Ferritin – if iron deficiency anemia is suspected [ferritin decreased = iron deficiency among others]. Iron, transferrin, saturated transferrin [transferrin saturation: decreased = et al. iron deficiency] Glucose in serum; … Restless Legs Syndrome: Test and Diagnosis

Restless Legs Syndrome: Drug Therapy

Therapy target Improvement of symptomatology Therapy recommendations First-line agent L-dopa + benserazide (DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor)Indication: intermittent or mild RLSimprovement with this therapy in 80-90% of cases.The lower the dose, the better it is for acute and long-term treatment success. Dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine) [approved for therapy of RLS] alternatively antiepileptic/anticonvulsants (pregabalin and gabapentin) … Restless Legs Syndrome: Drug Therapy