Restless leg syndrome, a lifelong disease, is frequently seen in people with chronic renal failure.
The syndrome, which can also be seen during pregnancy, excessive physical activity, exposure to too hot or cold, sleep deprivation, some medications, alcohol, caffeine or some seasons can cause exacerbations in the disease.
Neurology Specialist Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Önder Kuzu from Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital said that restless leg syndrome, which is seen in 'un of the society, is a lifelong disease.
IT USUALLY OCCURS IN THE 20S!
Stating that restless leg syndrome is a disease that occurs during wakefulness, causing difficulty in falling asleep or maintaining sleep, causing indescribable abnormal sensations in the legs, arms or trunk, Kuzu said, "The incidence of the disease in the society is at the level. The onset of the disease is usually in the twenties. Then, the frequency of the disease increases with age. Restless leg syndrome may be familial or may occur spontaneously."
Stating that the disease can also be seen during pregnancy, Kuzu said, "It can often reach up to 20% in the last trimester of pregnancy. Restless leg syndrome during pregnancy has been shown to be associated with low serum ferritin and folate levels."
Stating that low levels of iron and ferritin in the central nervous system are detected in the syndrome, Kuzu said, "Restless leg syndrome occurs very frequently in patients with chronic renal failure. In addition, the frequency of restless leg syndrome increases in diabetes, rheumatic diseases, waist and neck hernias, cancers, B12, folic acid and magnesium deficiencies."
MAY EXACERBATE DURING PREGNANCY
Noting that restless leg syndrome is a lifelong disease, Kuzu noted that the disease may flare up in some periods and said the following:
"The disease sometimes progresses with improvements (remission) and sometimes with exacerbations (relapses). In other words, the symptoms of the disease may sometimes decrease and sometimes increase. For example, pregnancy can exacerbate disease symptoms. Excessive physical activity, exposure to very hot or cold temperatures, sleep deprivation, certain medications, alcohol, caffeine or certain seasons can cause exacerbations.
In restless leg syndrome, the feeling of restlessness in the legs usually occurs more often when sitting or staying still and is accompanied by the need to move. With movement, the symptoms disappear and relaxation occurs. Symptoms usually appear or become more pronounced in the evening or at night."
Stating that some tests are performed on patients who apply to the clinic with suspicion of restless leg syndrome, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Önder Kuzu gave the following information about the treatment process:
"Serum ferritin level, kidney function tests, magnesium, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels are checked. EMG is performed in one third of patients with restless leg syndrome due to neuropathy (damage to the nerve sheath or trunk). Periodic movement disorder during sleep is also frequently seen in this disease. Dopamine, dopamine receptor agonists, gabapentin, benzodiazepines can be used in treatment. In addition, iron, magnesium and folic acid are used to support treatment."