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Sleep Disorders: Restless Legs Syndrome.

¹Latterman Family Health Center, 2347 Fifth Ave, McKeesport, PA 15132.

|August 29, 2017

Summary

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder characterized by an urge to move the legs. Effective management involves lifestyle changes and medications like dopaminergic agonists or gabapentinoids.

Area of Science:

Neurology
Sleep Medicine

Background:

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent neurological disorder affecting 2-3% of adults in Europe and North America.
RLS often presents with an irresistible urge to move the legs, particularly during periods of inactivity and in the evening.
It can be an independent condition or associated with other health issues like iron deficiency or chronic kidney disease.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a comprehensive overview of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).
To discuss diagnostic criteria and recommended management strategies for RLS.
To highlight potential complications and evidence-based treatment options for RLS.

Main Methods:

Diagnosis of RLS is primarily based on clinical history.
Polysomnography is generally not recommended unless other sleep disorders are suspected.

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Literature review of current RLS management guidelines and pharmacologic options.

Main Results:

Management strategies include supportive measures, dopaminergic drugs, gabapentinoids, opioids, and benzodiazepines.
Iron supplementation may be beneficial for patients with low iron stores.
Augmentation, characterized by increased symptom severity with higher drug doses, is a primary complication of dopaminergic therapy.

Conclusions:

RLS diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, with polysomnography reserved for suspected co-existing sleep disorders.
Treatment involves a multimodal approach including lifestyle adjustments (sleep hygiene, reduced caffeine/alcohol) and pharmacotherapy.
Dopaminergic agonists and gabapentinoids are key pharmacologic options, though augmentation must be monitored. Vibratory devices lack supporting evidence.