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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Kirstie Anderson
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Restless legs syndrome describes a curious need to stretch and move in response to an unpleasant feeling in the legs. For most people who have this, as they are drifting off to sleep there is a twitch of the toe, foot and ankle followed by another and then another. The limb movements are strikingly periodic and are described as such by frustrated bed partners. The pathophysiology remains debated but is likely to involve dopaminergic dysfunction and ascending arousal systems. Despite a prevalence of 5-10% in the general population, the variable nature of symptoms and difficulty describing the dysaesthesia often leads to delay in treatment. This article outlines the diagnostic criteria, medication and comorbidities that modify symptoms, the impact of restless legs syndrome on health, and symptomatic management. Several licensed therapies are effective but the dopamine agonists in particular can cause challenging side effects and paradoxically worsen symptoms over time. Case histories are reviewed to guide physicians.
Author(s): O'Regan D, Anderson KN
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: British Journal of Hospital Medicine
Year: 2020
Volume: 81
Issue: 1
Pages: 1-8
Online publication date: 28/01/2020
Acceptance date: 09/10/2019
ISSN (print): 1750-8460
ISSN (electronic): 1759-7390
Publisher: Mark Allen Healthcare
URL: https://doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2019.0319
DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2019.0319
PubMed id: 32003620
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