Willis-Ekbom Disease (Restless Legs Syndrome)
Symptoms include:
- U= urge to move the legs
- R= rest induces symptoms
- G= getting active brings relief
- E= evening brings worse symptoms
What can be mistaken for RLS?
- Positional Discomfort
- Muscle Cramps
- Arthritis
- Neuropathy
- Hypnic Jerks
What conditions are associated with RLS?
- Iron Deficiency (very common cause)
- Pregnancy
- Renal Failure
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Lumbar Spine Disease
Which drugs can cause or worsen RLS?
- Nicotine
- Caffeine
- Antidepressants (TCA/SSRI)
- Antihistamines
- Dopamine Antagonists (ie: Metoclopramide, Compazine)
Why care about RLS?
- Twice the odds of developing cardiovascular disease
- Quality of life severely impacted
- Can significantly disrupt sleep
- Painful
- Increases the risk of developing anxiety and depression