$Unique_ID{BRK02477}
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$Title{What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?}
$Subject{night sleep awaken kicking asleep leg restless legs syndrome rls
bromocriptine levodopa clonazepam carbamazine ill defined symptom symptoms
rare disorder disorders muscle muscles awake kick kicks }
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Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?


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QUESTION:  I can't get a decent night's sleep because I awaken myself by my
constant kicking out.  I can be fast asleep, but I get a strange feeling in my
leg that will only go away when I move about.  None of my friends ever get
this feeling, and I don't know what I can do about it.  Have you ever read
anything about something like this and can you offer me any information or
advice?  I can use some help.

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ANSWER:  This is not an unknown syndrome that is disrupting your rest, for
from 2 percent to 5 percent of our population joins you in the miseries caused
by the "Restless Legs Syndrome" (RLS).  People who suffer with this strange
problem experience an unpleasant feeling in their legs, a writhing, aching or
creeping sensation, that won't quit until they move their legs about.  The
sensation only occurs at rest, usually during a night's sleep, but disappears
as soon as the leg is moved.  The urge to move the leg is so strong that sleep
is disturbed, sometimes several times a night.
     In most instances, there is no apparent cause, but in some cases RLS may
be associated with an iron deficiency anemia, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis
or uremia.  Any investigation of the problem should look into those
possibilities and include a thorough neurological examination as well.  If you
are now on any medications they too should be evaluated as a possible cause.
There are a number of medications that can be used to control the symptoms
with good results.  They include bromocriptine, levodopa, clonazepam,
carbamazine, among others.  All of these are prescription medications.  You
must also be aware that this is a condition that comes and goes on its own
over time, and may disappear altogether for long periods of time.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.