What is restless legs syndrome?

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Fidgeting, twitching, and swaying arms and legs are normal manifestations of boredom or anxiety– when one is a child. In adults, these could be early signs of a more troubling disorder.


Willis-Ekbom disease, more commonly known as restless legs syndrome or RLS, is a rare neurological disorder characterized by having an urgent and irresistible need to move one's body. Unlike movements done unconsciously, patients suffering from RLS feel a more pressing urge to move their limbs in order to prevent an inexplicably uncomfortable sensation. These sensations range from feelings of pain, aching, prickling, or itching in the muscles, bringing meaning to the saying "an itch you can't scratch." Some patients even describe their sensations as the feeling that something is crawling up or under the skin. It would be safe to say that even people without RLS would feel the need to shake this sensation off. After moving their limbs, RLS patients claim the unusual sensations they feel cease momentarily. Some report, however, that resting usually makes the symptoms worse.

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RLS could be hereditary and can develop before birth. Research into the causes of RLS have focused on dopamine imbalance and insufficient iron content in the body, but no definite causes have been determined.

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To help patients understand the disorder, the Mayo Clinic provides information on RLS, as well as simple steps and lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms. Though similar, RLS should not be confused with ataxia. This Dr. Aria Sabit blog post explains ataxia is characterized by lack of muscle control during voluntary movements. With RLS, however, patients have full control and deliberately move their limbs in seemingly unintentional ways.


RLS may be present with symptoms similar to other neurological disorders. Follow this Dr. Aria Sabit Twitter page for more information.