Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep-related movement disorder. This syndrome is characterized by an uncomfortable feeling in the legs that makes it difficult to fall asleep and an irresistible desire to move them. Underlining that it becomes more pronounced especially in the evening hours and at night, Neurology Specialist Doctor Ayşegül Daldal stated that this feeling negatively affects the person's falling asleep and sleep duration.
Speaking about the researches conducted in the society, Neurology Specialist Doctor Ayşegül Daldal from BHT CLINIC Istanbul Tema Hospital said, “It shows that the incidence of RLS is 10-15%. However, patients who cannot express their symptoms clearly may have to try many treatments in different branches for years.”
Restless leg syndrome increases at night
RLS can be easily diagnosed by clinical observations. However, in order to diagnose the disease, the following features must be present together, Dr. Daldal said:
Uncomfortable sensations that occur with the irresistible desire to move, especially in the legs, relief with movement or complete disappearance of symptoms, increase in symptoms at rest, symptoms becoming more pronounced in the evening hours or at night, the presence of these criteria plays an important role in confirming the diagnosis of RLS.
They may find it difficult to describe the discomfort they are experiencing
Dr. Daldal said that at the onset of the disease, the symptoms may be unilateral, but over time they can affect both legs. In about half of patients, similar symptoms may occur in the arms. People who experience RLS may find it difficult to describe the discomfort they experience and describe their feelings as, “It feels like cramping, my legs are tingling, my legs are tense, tingling sensation, throbbing or burning sensation, electrification in the legs, a discomfort similar to toothache. RLS is a lifelong condition for patients, with periods of relief and exacerbation lasting weeks or months.”
The basic step in the treatment of RLS: Identify underlying diseases
Dr. Daldal, the first step in the treatment of RLS is to treat a possible underlying disease. In particular, causes such as iron deficiency should be considered. Dopamine agonists are among the effective treatment options in both idiopathic and symptomatic RLS. RLS is a disorder that reduces quality of life and disrupts sleep patterns, and it is important to refer patients to neurologists for diagnosis and treatment. With early diagnosis and correct treatment, patients' complaints can be controlled to a great extent, he concluded his speech by saying.
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