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Restless Leg Syndrome and your doctor

A Restless leg syndrome diagnosis can lead to several different treatments that can vary with a person's symptoms and how their body responds or reacts to medication. Before deciding on a treatment, however, a doctor or health practitioner should make the diagnosis as to if RLS is a primary or secondary disorder, this decision is vital in deciding on a treatment plan.

RLS as a primary disorder is diagnosed mainly as a genetic disorder with no real reason for the symptoms, but a history of the symptoms in the family. If RLS is diagnosed as a secondary disorder, treatment may be easier as treating the primary illness will often bring relief from the RLS symptoms. With secondary RLS, the cause is often the lack of iron in the body, as studies have shown those with low iron levels often are those with RLS. Other secondary causes may include pregnancy, medications and neurological conditions. Causes such as pregnancy, are high risks for RLS as it is quite common for low iron levels to be present.

Thought important, doctors often have a difficult time diagnosing those with RLS as patients may not completely share their symptoms, or be part of the visit. As mentioned, most often a diagnosis is made from a family history. Exams are only really helpful when RLS is a secondary condition. When doing an exam, a doctor should ask general questions pertaining to sleep and daily activity. Given the answers your doctor can then decide if more information is needed, as complaints of insomnia and restlessness are a clue that something more may be going on. Doctors, because of this, need to be aware of the reasons and treatments for RLS, whether it is a primary or secondary disorder.

A diagnosis is only the beginning, as once it has been made, treatment becomes the focus and the best way to relieve and/or eliminate the RLS symptoms. There is no one treatment that is best or right for everyone, doctors are challenged to find the best course of treatment according to the person and the intensity of their symptoms. To begin with, lifestyle changes are a possible treatment with those who have more mild symptoms. Should these changes not be enough, a doctor will be able to find the right combination or treatments to relieve your symptoms.

When the treatment turns to medication, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), ahs approved several that can work well. Of course the severity of your RLS will decide what medication and dosage is used. For those with symptoms that occur occasionally, doctors may prescribe an opioid that is taken as needed for relief. Should RLS symptoms become more severe, regular doses of prescriptions, such as Requip or Mirapex?

Once a treatment plan has been chosen, be sure to take note of any side effects or risks that may occur, as these are important to share with your doctor. If a medication is causing more side effects than curing the disorder, choosing a new treatment will be necessary.