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Epilepsy and restless legs syndrome.
James D Geyer1, Emery E Geyer2, Zachary Fetterman3
1The Sleep Program, The Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratories, Alabama Neurology and Sleep Medicine, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States; Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States; Neurotexion, LLC, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|January 23, 2017
Summary
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is more common in epilepsy patients, particularly those with right temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Early RLS symptoms may indicate worsening epilepsy, offering a chance for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) affects ~10% of the population, impacting quality of life.
- Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder with significant morbidity.
- The link between RLS and epilepsy, specifically temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the frequency and severity of RLS in patients with TLE.
- To explore RLS as a potential prodromal warning sign and lateralizing indicator in TLE.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-eight TLE patients and 50 controls were assessed using RLS questionnaires, diagnostic criteria, ferritin levels, and polysomnography.
- Exclusion criteria included obstructive sleep apnea and secondary causes of RLS.
- Patients were categorized into right TLE and left TLE groups.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between TLE and RLS (p<.01).
- Patients with right TLE had 4.60 times higher odds of having RLS compared to left TLE patients.
- Prodromal RLS symptoms were observed in some patients, suggesting an early intervention opportunity.
Conclusions:
- Moderate to severe RLS is frequent in epilepsy patients, exceeding typical prevalence.
- RLS symptoms were more common and severe in the right TLE group, indicating potential lateralizing value.
- Prodromal RLS may serve as an early warning sign for epilepsy exacerbation.
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