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02071.txt
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK02071}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Restless Legs Syndrome: Diagnosis and Treatment}
$Subject{Restless Legs Syndrome RLS creeping sensation anemia nerve disease
circulatory problems rheumatoid arthritis fibromyositis tricyclic opiates
antidepressants antidepressant anticonvulsants anticonvulsant benzodiazepines
tranquilizers tranquilizer coffee caffeine alcohol smoking fatigue
carbidopa-levodopa carbamazepine baclofen muscle muscles sleep sleeping}
$Volume{}
$Log{}
Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Restless Legs Syndrome: Diagnosis and Treatment
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Please tell me that you know of something that can help me, for I
can't get a good night's sleep while I have this problem. I go to bed with
good intentions and then get this creeping feeling in my legs that won't go
away, until I get up and move about. When I return to bed, it returns as
well. What is it, and what if anything can be done?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: Based entirely on your description of the problem, it sounds like a
case of "Restless Legs Syndrome" (RLS). Three things help make this
diagnosis. First it is often described as a crawling (or creeping) sensation
in the legs, sometimes characterized as "aching", but never referred to as a
"pain". Second, it creates an irresistible urge to get up and move about, at
which time the sensation disappears. Third, it only occurs when the legs are
at rest, usually just after retiring for the night and before sleep comes. It
may be the result of a number of medical conditions, including anemia, nerve
disease, circulatory problems in the legs, rheumatoid arthritis and
fibromyositis. It may be aggravated by the use of tricyclic antidepressants,
or when certain medications like anticonvulsants or benzodiazepines
(tranquilizers) are withdrawn.
Certain environmental factors can influence the severity and frequency of
RLS. Drinking a lot of coffee or other caffeine rich beverages, alcohol, and
smoking can make it worse. So does fatigue, or just sleeping in a room or bed
that is too warm. Your first line of attack is to remedy any of the factors
that could be causing the problem.
If the problem persists, then medications do exist that can bring relief.
A combination of carbidopa-levodopa has been found beneficial, but can
lose its effectiveness in some patients over time. Clonazepam or temazepam,
two kinds of tranquilizers, are also frequently used. Other medications
include carbamazepine and baclofen, and even some opiates in extreme cases may
be considered. It will require a visit to your own physician to get these
medications, as well as a thorough examination and a more reliable diagnosis
than I can offer here.
----------------
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.