The primary symptom of restless leg syndrome is an uncontrollable jerking of the legs due to an uncomfortable and sometimes-painful sensation felt traveling through the legs. RLS sufferers also report that the creepy leg sensations they feel begin slowly and then intensify usually within the first half-hour of sleep. Patients with RLS report that they find the symptoms to be less noticeable during the day and more pronounced at night.
Insomnia - Running On Empty – Sleep Deprivation The absence of sleep ends-up causing fatigue and further restlessness. The symptoms deepen, as the insomnia grows worse, the anxiety intensifies and sometimes it can develop into depressive cycle. Left untreated, the condition can worsen and cause exhaustion and chronic fatigue. Many people with RLS report that their job performance has been affected by the condition.
Restless Leg Syndrome affects both men and women, young and old. Some believe the condition is genetically transmitted. Women who are pregnant may have problems with RLS, which can be brought on by the added weight of the pregnancy as well. RLS has also been found in children, but is much more difficult to diagnosis in them.
Signs of Restless Leg Syndrome There are three main diagnostic features to Restless Leg Syndrome:
1. Experiencing uncomfortable and sometimes painful prickly sensations crawling across your legs.
2. The sensation causes an involuntary movement of your legs usually during the first half-hour of sleep.
3. There is a sense of relief from the movement of the legs - albeit temporary.
Diagnostic Sleep Study – Polysomnography In order to determine the severity of the condition, neurologists will often order a sleep study to determine the degree of electrical activity in the patient’s brain and its correlative activity within the legs. The next step is to determine the best treatment for the person.
RLS Treatment OptionsMild forms of RLS can be treated with moderate diet and exercise modifications. Researchers have found that caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can trigger symptoms in patients who are already predisposed to developing the condition.
It is also recommended that the patient engage in vigorous exercise and aerobic activities aimed at inducing a deeper and more uninterrupted sleep. A recent study suggests that RLS may also be caused by other medical conditions such as diabetes.
The neurologist after confirming the diagnosis of RLS, may suggest you consider medication to suppress the occurrence of the symptoms. There are different medications on the market today. Some doctors have prescribed benzodiazepines such as Ambian to help resolve the symptoms. Other doctors have suggested the use of Oxycodone.
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