Diagnosis and Testing for Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome, also known as Ekbom's syndrome, is a condition in which a person has a feeling of restlessness or tingling in the legs. In rare cases, a person will feel sensations in the arms and face. People who experience these symptoms should seek medical help to find a treatment.
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Facts
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Restless leg syndrome (RLS) affects people of all ages but is more common in women. The disorder prevents a person from sleeping, which can lead to other problems such as sleep deprivation, depression and a reduction in reflex control. As a person ages, the symptoms of RLS increase in frequency.
Symptoms
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The most common symptom of RLS is an uncomfortable feeling in the legs and calves and sometimes in the arms. The feeling is described as sensations of crawling, tingling, burning and aching. Sometimes people feel jittery or have a creeping feeling in the legs. The sensations start when a person is resting or sitting down and ease when activity begins. Many times, they are worse in the evening, including leg twitches during sleep.
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Causes
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There are no definitive causes for RLS, and researchers are studying whether RLS is related to a chemical imbalance in the brain. RLS has been found to be hereditary in more than half of people who suffer from the condition. The disorder is seen temporarily in pregnant women and people who are experiencing high levels of stress. In these cases, RLS often will disappear once the baby is delivered or stress is relieved. Iron deficiency has been shown to make symptoms of RLS worsen.
Diagnosis
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Many people do not seek a medical diagnosis for RLS because the symptoms are similar to other problems, such as stress and insomnia. Some doctors also diagnose the condition incorrectly for this reason. There are no testing procedures for RLS, although a doctor will ask a series of questions about your medical history and symptoms related to the condition in order to diagnose. Blood tests may be conducted to rule out iron deficiency.
Treatment
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There are no treatments that will eliminate RLS. Treatment usually includes exercise, stretching and massaging of the legs. In some cases, warm baths and hot packs on the legs will relieve symptoms. If there is an iron deficiency, iron supplements may be prescribed to treat the anemia. Patients are encouraged to reduce caffeine, alcohol and tobacco consumption, as they may affect the condition. In severe cases, medication will be prescribed to control dopamine levels in the brain. These are the same medications used for Parkinson's disease.
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