Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable, and sometimes overwhelming, urge to move them for relief. Individuals affected with the disorder often describe the sensations as throbbing, polling, or creeping. The sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful.
For those with mild to moderate symptoms, many physicians suggest certain lifestyle changes and activities to reduce or eliminate
symptoms. Decreased use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may provide some relief. Physicians may suggest that certain individuals
take supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate, and magnesium. Taking a hot bath, massaging the legs, or using a
heating pad or ice pack can help relieve symptoms in some patients.
Physicians also may suggest a variety of medications to treat RLS, including dopaminergics, benzodiazepines (central nervous
system depressants), opioids, and anticonvulsants. The drugs ropinirole and pramipexole have been approved by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration for treating moderate to severe RLS.
Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation 1530 Greenview Drive SW Suite 210 Rochester, MN 55902-4327 rlsfoundation@rls.org http://www.rls.org Tel: 507-287-6465 Fax: 507-287-6312 |
National Sleep Foundation 1010 N. Glebe Road Suite 310 Arlington, VA 22201 nsf@sleepfoundation.org http://www.sleepfoundation.org Tel: 202-347-3471 Fax: 202-347-3472 |
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) 55 Kenosia Avenue Danbury, CT 06810 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) Fax: 203-798-2291 |
WE MOVE (Worldwide Education & Awareness for Movement Disorders) 5731 Mosholu Avenue Bronx, NY 10024 wemove@wemove.org http://www.wemove.org Tel: 347-843-6132 Fax: 718-601-5112 |
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) National Institutes of Health, DHHS 31 Center Drive, Rm. 4A21 MSC 2480 Bethesda, MD 20892-2480 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov Tel: 301-592-8573/240-629-3255 (TTY) Recorded Info: 800-575-WELL (-9355) |
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
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Last updated November 25, 2011