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Idiopathic restless legs syndrome: abnormalities in central somatosensory processing
Jörn Schattschneider1, Andre Bode, Gunnar Wasner
1Dept. of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig Holstein, Campus Kiel, Niemannsweg 147, 24105 Kiel, Germany. j.schattschneider@neurologie.uni-kiel.de
Journal of Neurology
|August 19, 2004
Summary
Impaired temperature perception is common in restless legs syndrome (RLS). Secondary RLS involves small fiber neuropathy, while idiopathic RLS shows central processing issues, impacting sensory function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Neurophysiological studies indicate temperature perception deficits in restless legs syndrome (RLS).
- The origin of these deficits, whether peripheral nerve damage or central somatosensory processing impairment, remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the frequency of thermal hypesthesia in secondary and idiopathic RLS patients.
- Differentiate between peripheral and central somatosensory processing disturbances.
- Correlate sensory findings with RLS clinical manifestations.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative sensory testing (QST) for temperature perception.
- Quantitative nociceptor axon reflex test (QNART) for peripheral C-fibre function.
- Clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, and standardized questionnaires for RLS severity.
Main Results:
- 72% of secondary RLS and 55% of idiopathic RLS patients showed impaired temperature perception.
- Peripheral C-fibre function (QNART) was normal in idiopathic RLS but impaired in secondary RLS.
- No correlation was found between QST results and clinical RLS scores.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of impaired temperature perception in RLS patients.
- Secondary RLS sensory deficits are partly due to small fibre neuropathy.
- Idiopathic RLS exhibits central somatosensory processing impairment.