Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2025

Behavioral and Locomotor Measurements Using an Open Field Activity Monitoring System for Skeletal Muscle Diseases
Published on: September 29, 2014
Restless Legs Syndrome in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy
John W Winkelman1, Natalie R Grant2, Francine Molay3
1Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Objective/Background:
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive gait and balance problems. Leg discomfort, sleep disturbances, and pain contribute to daily disability. We sought to investigate the prevalence and severity of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in patients with ALD.
Patients/Methods:
We administered questionnaires and conducted diagnostic telephone interviews to assess RLS severity. We retrospectively extracted data from neurological examinations, functional gait measures, and laboratory assessments.
Results And Conclusions:
Thirty-two adults with ALD (21 female, 11 male) were recruited to participate. Thirteen patients (40.6%) had RLS (10/21 females and 3/11 males). The median age of RLS onset was 35 years [IQR = 22-54]. Patients with RLS had more signs and symptoms related to myelopathy, but not the brain demyelination seen in ALD. This pilot study suggests a high prevalence of RLS in adults with ALD, which may contribute to sleep problems and impair quality of life.
Related Concept Videos
Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Sex-linked Disorders
Lysosomal Hydrolases
Satellite Stem Cells and Muscular Dystrophy
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Unlike...

