Is Restless Leg Syndrome serious?

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asked Aug 6, 2022 in Other- Health by Roqwosgise (1,020 points)
Is Restless Leg Syndrome serious?

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answered Aug 17, 2022 by Markbob (8,170 points)
Restless Leg Syndrome is not a serious condition although in some cases it may lead to some other health issues and complications in some people.

However for most people with Restless Leg Syndrome it does not lead to other health issues but it can.

When restless leg syndrome is left untreated it can cause exhaustion and daytime fatigue, as well as sleep deprivation, depression, travel difficulties, memory impairment, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia.

Because of lack of sleep, children and some adults may be very drowsy, irritable, and aggressive during daytime hours.

Although RLS doesn't lead to other serious conditions, symptoms can range from barely bothersome to incapacitating.

Many people with RLS find it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Severe RLS can cause marked impairment in life quality and can result in depression.

Restless legs syndrome is a lifelong condition that might get worse with age.

But some people go into remission and don't have symptoms for days to years.

Keep your doctor updated on how you're doing.

If you start to feel worse, they might suggest different lifestyle changes or medications.

If nerve cells become damaged, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced, which causes muscle spasms and involuntary movements.

Dopamine levels naturally fall towards the end of the day, which may explain why the symptoms of restless legs syndrome are often worse in the evening and during the night.

Unfortunately, there is no specific test for restless legs syndrome (RLS).

The diagnosis is made based on your symptoms.

A medical history, complete physical and neurological exam and blood tests may be conducted to rule out any other possible health problems associated with RLS.

Since RLS affects as much as 4-10% of the US adult population, it is clear that the vast majority of those with RLS do not ever develop PD.

Despite this, it still might be the case that RLS increases the risk of subsequently developing PD.

RLS is both a sleep and a neurological sensory disorder.

Treatment is directed toward symptom relief.

There's no cure for Restless Leg Syndrome.

Although if you have the disorder, lifestyle changes and medication can help improve your quality of life.

The goals of RLS treatment are to prevent or relieve symptoms, improve sleep, and correct underlying conditions or habits that trigger or worsen RLS symptoms.

Restless leg syndrome is a condition that is characterized by a nearly irresistible urge to move the legs, typically in the evenings.

Restless legs syndrome typically occurs while sitting or lying down.

It generally worsens with age and can disrupt sleep.

The main symptom of restless leg syndrome is a nearly irresistible urge to move the legs.

Getting up and moving around helps the unpleasant feeling temporarily go away.

Self-care steps, lifestyle changes, or medications may help with restless leg syndrome.

The top three foods to avoid when you have restless leg syndrome are chocolate, sugary sodas, and fried foods.

Additionally, you will also want to avoid any foods or beverages that contain caffeine, since this can stimulate your nerves and make your symptoms more severe.

These include coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate.

The single largest known environmental factor of restless leg syndrome is low iron levels, which may occur before birth, during infancy or childhood, during pregnancy or later in adult life.

The low iron may resolve long before one even develops RLS symptoms, but the condition may set into motion certain conditions that eventually lead to RLS.

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