Restless leg syndrome & periodic limb movement disorder

Learn More about RLS in Shreveport

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder whereby individuals experience uncomfortable sensations in their legs. This experience is difficult to describe and RLS patients have referred to the sensation as tingling, itching, creeping, crawling, aching, burning as well as many other descriptions.  Usually the sensation causes individuals to have a strong urge to move one's legs. A key to recognizing RLS is that the sensation is made worse by rest and partially improved by walking and movement.


RLS makes it very hard for some people to rest or go to sleep and is a recognized cause of insomnia. With decreased sleep, daytime function is impaired and individuals feel very tired during the day.


A related problem is periodic limb movements that happen while awake or asleep and are described as repetitive twitching or jerking of the limbs.  During sleep (periodic limb movements of sleep or PLMS)  can wake one up and make it harder to go back to sleep. This fragmentation of sleep makes it even worse to function the next day.  This combination of disruptive PLMS and daytime symptoms is recognized as Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD). 80% to 90% of patients with RLS also have PLMS.


RLS may be intermittent. Symptoms tend to become more intense and last longer over time. It normally starts in the legs but may progress to involve the rest of the body. The intensity of the symptoms may vary from day to day. It is worse after prolonged inactivity such as long plane or car rides, or sitting in a theater or meeting.


RLS is more prevalent in women than in men. It can occur at any age, from early childhood to late adult life.In children, RLS can be wrongly called “growing pains.” Some think that RLS in children may be related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.


Secondary RLS is caused by other disorders or medical conditions:


  • Iron deficiency and all conditions that produce low iron
  • Spinal and other Nervous system Disorders
  • Kidney disease and dialysis
  • Peripheral neuropathy (a disease or abnormality of the nervous system)
  • Pregnancy
  • Some medications: antidepressants, antinausea medication and some antihistamines


Primary RLS is not directly caused by another sleep disorder or medical condition


  • RLS may show up slowly and get worse over time.
  • Familial patterns may be present in half of people with RLS.
  • A positive family history increases the risk for RLS


The diagnosis of RLS is a clinical diagnosis and is based on the history given by the individual or the bed partner.  Since it frequently coexists with PLMS, and especially in cases where daytime sleepiness is present, additional testing and overnight studies may be indicated.  Other tests to determine the presence of causative conditions may also be needed.

Treatment in Shreveport

The neurochemical basis of RLS and PLMS is an abnormality of the neurotransmitter Dopamine.  The treatment of these disorders is frequently based on that fact and agents that increase Dopamine in the nervous system are used.  Those medications are the same as what is used in Parkinson's Disease.  Although there may be an association between RLS/PLMD and PD, one does not necessarily lead to the other.


Other medications used include sleeping pills, narcotic medications, and some antiepileptic medications.

Additional measures that may help the condition include:


  • A regular exercise program
  • Reducing caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and smoking
  • Keeping mentally active while you physically inactive
  • Massaging the legs
  • Soaking in a hot tub