Dopamine for Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition. It is marked by an intense desire to move the legs to relieve uncomfortable sensations while at the body is at rest. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reports that restless leg syndrome may affect up to 12 million Americans.

Sleepless

Sensations

The sensations that RLS sufferers experience can be mild but can be severe enough to cause pain. The sensations are frequently described as burning, crawling and tugging.

Causes

Many cases of RLS are without a known cause, but the condition may be genetic and is also linked with hormone problems, anemia, Parkinson's disease and pregnancy.

Dopamine

An imbalance of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which affects movement, has also been suggested as a cause for RLS. Dopamine levels decrease at night and are also tied to iron levels.

Medication

Dopaminergic drugs, which increase dopamine levels, are frequently used as a first treatment for RLS. Other medications sometimes prescribed include sedatives, opiates (Darvon, for example) and anticonvulsants.

Support

An article published in "Brain," a neurology journal, suggests that dopamine abnormalities are caused by iron deficiencies, as evidenced by examination of brain tissue samples from RLS sufferers obtained during autopsy.

References

• Restless Leg Syndrome Fact Sheet: (NINDS)
• Restless Leg Syndrome: Symptoms, Treatment and Self-care
• Altered dopaminergic profile in the putamen and substantia nigra in restless leg syndrome