WHO DOES RLS AFFECT?

The most severe cases of RLS tend to occur in those who are older and approximately 40-60% of these cases are of the primary form, which means that it is not related to the presence of any other disorders. The remaining cases are secondary to underlying conditions of kidney failure, pregnancy, iron-deficient anemia or medications(18). RLS also affects approximately 2% of children and affects males and females equally(19). It is frequently misdiagnosed as depression since many of the symptoms are similar(20). More than 80% of patients with RLS are also affected by Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) which is characterized by involuntary twitching or jerking movements of the limbs during sleep(15). In children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, the severity of symptoms may increase if they are also diagnosed with RLS. It may also be more common in those who abuse alcohol or have iron-deficient anemia(15).  

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL CAUSES OF RLS?

Several genetic links have been proposed to cause RLS. When studying RLS in children, more than 70% of the cases had at least one parent with RLS and both parents were affected by RLS in 16% of these children(19). Also, a variant of intron BTBD9 on chromosome 6p21.2 has been found in approximately 50% of patients with RLS(20). An association between RLS and a gene that contributes to limb development (MEIS1) has also been discovered. This suggests a possible link between RLS and improper growth and development(21). This idea is further supported by children diagnosed with RLS commonly experiencing growing pains throughout development(19). 

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR RLS?

There are several non-pharmaceutical treatment options for patients with RLS including walking, massaging the legs, stretching, application of hot/cold packs, vibration, acupressure and various relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. Medications are also available to treat the symptoms of RLS. Requip, a drug commonly used to treat Parkinson's Disease, was approved for use in RLS patients in 2005. It was found to improve sleep quality as soon as one week after beginning treatment but patients reported side effects such as nausea, dizziness and falling asleep without warning. In 2006, Mirapex was approved and is now commonly prescribed since it requires lower doses than Requip and causes fewer side effects(18).