About Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome is a common neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations of the legs and an urge to move them for relief. Individuals affected with the disorder describe the sensations as pulling, drawing, crawling, wormy, boring, tingling, pins and needles, prickly, and sometimes painful sensations that are usually accompanied by an overwhelming urge to move the legs. Movement provides temporary relief from the discomfort.

Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome

Massage and application of cold compresses may provide temporary relief. Medications such as temazepam, levodopa/carbidopa, bromocriptine, pergolide mesylate, oxycodone, propoxyphene, and codeine are effective in relieving the symptoms. Current research suggests that correction of iron deficiency may improve symptoms for some patients.

Prognosis for Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome is a life-long condition for which there is no cure. Symptoms may gradually worsen with age. Because symptoms are intensified by inactivity and lying down, Restless Legs Syndrome patients often have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Left untreated, Restless Legs Syndrome causes exhaustion and fatigue, which can affect occupational performance, social activities, and family life.

Research on Restless Legs Syndrome

Reference for Restless Legs Syndrome Article

• O’Keeffe ST, Gavin K, Lavan JN. Iron status and restless legs syndrome in the elderly. Age Ageing 1994;23:200–3.
• Davis BJ, Rajput A, Rajput ML, et al. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of iron in restless legs syndrome. Eur Neurol 2000;43:70–5.
• National Institutes of Health

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