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QUICK REFERENCE #50: What are the causes of restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurologic movement disorder most commonly characterized by very strong urges to move the legs, usually due to unpleasant leg sensations. These sensations worsen during periods of inactivity and often interfere with sleep. [See also, QR-E-Letter Issue 31, #41.] The following content is adapted from a fact sheet from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Primary RLS: In most cases of restless legs syndrome (RLS), no cause can be found. When no cause can be found, the condition is called primary RLS. It is known, however, that primary RLS tends to run in families. People whose parents have RLS are more likely to develop the disorder. This suggests that there may be a genetic link that increases the chance of getting RLS.

Secondary RLS: Secondary RLS is RLS that is caused by another disease or condition, or as a side effect of certain medications.

Some of the diseases and conditions that can cause RLS are:

• Iron deficiency (with or without anemia)
• Kidney failure
• Diabetes
• Parkinson’s disease
• Damage to the nerves in the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Pregnancy [RLS is common in pregnant women. It usually occurs during the last 3 months of pregnancy and usually improves or disappears within a few weeks after delivery. However, some women may continue to have symptoms after giving birth or may develop RLS again later in life.]

Some of the types of medication that can cause RLS are:

• Antiseizure medication
• Antinausea medication
• Antidepressant medication
• Some types of cold and allergy medication

RLS symptoms usually resolve when the medication is stopped.

Certain substances can trigger RLS symptoms or make them worse. These substances include:

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Tobacco

SOURCE: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) [http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/rls/rls_Causes.html]


Note to The Complete Practitioner paid subscribers: You can access related content by clicking on "Restless Legs Syndrome (assessment guide), September 2000" in the Subscribers' Area of our Web site: [http://www.completepractitioner.com].

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