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Finding Out About and then Living With RLS

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) strikes at any age and individuals of both sexes can get this syndrome. It comes in two "flavors", Primary Restless Legs Syndrome and Secondary Restless Legs Syndrome. Primary is when the condition stands by itself without any other underlying condtion. Many patients with primary RLS report that they have a family member with RLS. Secondary is when there is a underlying condition associated with the RLS such as an iron deficiency, kidney failure or pregnancy. Usually if the underlying condition disappears so do the symptoms of RLS. An example is when RLS is associated with a pregnancy, when the baby is born, shortly afterwards the symptoms of RLS disappear.

RLS is a movement disorder that has been in existance for several hundreds of years but only received its name 60 years ago. The symptoms can feel differently even though many share the same condition. For some the symptoms may feel like strong, irresistible urges to move their legs whenever the lie down or sit for any length of time. Other may experience strange creepy crawly sensations inside their legs that feel uncomfortable. Others say that their sensations are more of a pulling or tingling. Most report that they experience the sensations more often when they have to sit for long periods of time like when on an airplane, or sitting in a long lecture class, or when they are at the opera. Symptoms usually are reported to worsen during the evening hours and over night.

The individual with RLS experiences lack of sleep due to the uncomfortable sensations in their legs and often drag through their days with possible negative consequences at work or school due to an inability to function because of the lack of sleep. RLS also makes it difficult to concentrate so drawn are they to the sensations they are feeling and the urge to move.

Individuals with RLS will avoid going to movies, sitting in seminars or long meetings, will often dread traveling.

Symptoms of RLS worsen with age with the average diagnosis occurring around middle age due to increased severity of symptoms. Individuals seek medical attention when the symptoms disrupt their daily routine or affect their ability to function at work or school. Only a medical doctor can diagnose restless legs syndrome.

There are four major areas or classifications of symptoms that must be present for a diagnosis of Restless legs syndrome to be made. These four areas are:

1. The presence of an irresistible urge to move the legs, that is accompanied by uncomfortable sensations.

2. The symptoms are completely or at least partially relieved by movement and continue to be relieved as long as movement continues.

3. Symptoms will begin or worsen when the individual is at rest or inactive, such as when sitting or lying down. These times may be when the individual is traveling by car or plane, sitting for a prolonged time at a meeting or lecture, or behind a desk at work.

4. The symptoms occur only in the evening or at night or they worsen in the evening and at night.