What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?
Faulty Use or Lack of Iron
Research suggests that restless legs syndrome (RLS)
is mainly due to the faulty use or lack of iron in the brain. The brain uses
iron to make the chemical dopamine and to control other brain activities.
Dopamine works in the parts of the brain that control movement.
A number of conditions can affect how much iron is
in the brain or how it’s used. These conditions include kidney failure,
Parkinson disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, and iron
deficiency. All of these conditions increase the risk of having RLS.
People whose family members have RLS also are more
likely to develop the disorder. This suggests that genetics may contribute to
the faulty use or lack of iron in the brain that triggers RLS.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage in the legs or feet and sometimes in
the arms or hands may cause or worsen RLS. Several conditions can cause such
nerve damage, including diabetes.
Medicines and Substances
Certain medicines may trigger RLS. These include
some:
- Antinausea medicines (used to treat upset
stomach)
- Antidepressants (used to treat depression)
- Antipsychotics (used to treat certain mental
health disorders)
- Cold and allergy medicines that contain
antihistamines
- Calcium channel blockers (used to treat heart
problems and
high
blood pressure)
RLS symptoms usually get better or may even go away
if the medicine is stopped.
Certain substances, such as alcohol and tobacco,
also can trigger or worsen RLS symptoms. Symptoms may get better or go away if
the substances are stopped.
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