Restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome, also known as Ekbom’s disease, is a condition in which a person has an urge to move their legs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations.

It tends to be worse during periods of rest and at night, and improves or resolves on movement.

It may be idiopathic or associated with:

• Iron deficiency
• Diabetes mellitus 
• B12 and folate deficiency 
• Uraemis 
• Fibromyalgia
• Pregnancy 

 

Management: 

• Decrease caffeine and alcohol intake 
• Good sleep hygiene 
• Medications: 
• First line: dopamine agonists such as pramipexole 
• Second line: gabapentin, benzodiazepine, opioids

References:

Gamaldo, C. and Earley, C. Restless legs syndrome: a clinical update. Chest. 2006; 130(5): 1596-1604. 

Mitchel, U. Nondrug-related aspect of treating Ekbom disease, formerly known as restless legs syndrome. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2011; 7: 251-257. 

Symvoulakis, E., Anyfantakis, D. and Lionis, C. Restless legs syndrome: literature review. Sao Paulo Med J. 2010; 128(3): 167-170.