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Motor cortex excitability in restless legs syndrome
Anna Scalise1, Italo Pittaro Cadore, Gian Luigi Gigli
1Department of Neurosciences, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Piazzale S. Maria della Misericordia 15, Udine, Italy. annascalise@libero.it
Sleep Medicine
|June 30, 2004
Summary
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) reveals reduced motor cortical excitability in restless legs syndrome (RLS) patients. This suggests altered cortical plasticity and central nervous system changes in RLS pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Neurophysiology
- Movement Disorders
- Brain Stimulation
Background:
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a valuable tool for studying RLS pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate motor cortical excitability in RLS patients using TMS.
- To define neurophysiological differences between RLS patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- TMS (single and paired pulse) was administered to 6 RLS patients and 2 healthy controls.
- Two protocols assessed motor cortical excitability after movement and intracortical motor activity over time.
Main Results:
- RLS patients exhibited blunted motor cortical excitability fluctuations post-movement compared to controls.
- Intracortical inhibition was significantly reduced in RLS subjects.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest alterations in central motor circuits in RLS.
- Reduced intracortical inhibition may indicate diminished cortical plasticity in RLS.