Are you familiar with Restless Legs Syndrome? Millions of Americans are afflicted with this disorder but this is often misdiagnosed despite its distinct features. Children, for example, who exhibit symptoms of restless legs syndrome are often diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or symptoms are sometimes mistaken for growing pains.

Restless legs syndrome causes are somewhat vague but I will try to go over the possible causes and hopefully enlighten those who are experiencing the symptoms but still don’t know what to make of it.

For starters, restless legs syndrome (RLS), also referred to as “the kicks”, is a neurologic disorder which is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs in response to the unpleasant sensations caused by sensory and motor dysfunctions. These sensations are often described as pins-and-needles, gnawing, aching, or crawling. Episodes are often triggered by prolonged inactivity especially on long drives, plane rides, and during nighttime.

Now, you might be wondering why a neurologic disorder is included in a sleep blog site. It is because restless legs syndrome causes sleep deprivation due to these constant urges to keep legs in motion in an attempt to relieve the weird sensations felt during an attack. Daytime drowsiness, fatigue, irritability, clumsiness, and depression are often observed in patients with this disorder. Familiar?

There are two types of restless legs syndrome: primary and secondary. Primary RLS is acquired through heredity, an autosomal dominant disorder. This type of RLS is progressive in nature with periods of remissions and exacerbations throughout the patient’s life span.

Other possible restless legs syndrome causes are medications such as antinausea drugs (Compazine, Reglan), antipsychotics (haloperidol, phenothiazines), tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, and anticonvulsants (Dilantin); and use and abuse of substances like nicotine, caffeine and alcohol. Restless legs syndrome that is not passed on genetically is called secondary restless legs syndrome.

But sometimes secondary RLS is brought about by an underlying medical condition. Kidney failure, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, Parkinson’s disease, iron deficiency, varicose veins, and pregnancy are the most common secondary restless legs syndrome causes.

Dealing with the restless legs syndrome causes deals with the disorder itself except in primary RLS. If certain medications trigger the RLS episodes, discontinuing the medication and asking for an alternative from your doctor would take care of the problem. Or if it is caused by another disorder like the ones mentioned above, treatment of that disorder would also treat the RLS.

In cases of primary RLS, staying away from the possible restless legs syndrome causes would limit the recurrence of the episodes. Compression stockings, hot baths, massages and appropriate exercise programs also help deal with the attacks.