RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME

• SYMPTOMS :
  An urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in the legs.
  Some people have no definite sensation, except for the need to move.
• 
  Moving usually offers some temporary relief of symptoms.
  A worsening of the discomfort when lying down, especially when you're trying to fall asleep at night.
• 
  Sleep disturbances are common with RLS, primarily because of the difficulty it causes in getting to sleep.
• 
  If leg twitching or jerking is also present, a related disorder called periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) may be the cause.
  Restless leg syndrome may affect as much as 2-5 percent of the population, with varying degrees.
• 
  The cause of RLS is still unknown.
• 
  Some cases are inherited.
• 
  Some cases have been associated with nerve damage in the legs.
• 
  RLS can also be a side effect of a pinched nerve root from arthritis in the lower back.
• 
  Most cases of RLS respond well to medical treatment.
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  Benzodiazepines - This class includes such drugs as diazepam (Valium),clonazepam (Klonopin), temazepam (Restoril) and triazolam (Halcion).
• 
  L-Dopa - This class enhances a brain chemical known as dopamine. It includes such drugs as L-Dopa with carbidopa (Sinement), pergolide (Permax) and bromocriptine (Parlodel).
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  Opiates - This class generally is reserved for the more severe symptoms. It includes codeine (active ingredient in Tylenol #3), oxycodone (active ingredient in Percocet), propoxyphene (Darvon) and methadone (in very severe cases only).
• 
  All of these medicatons are available by prescription only and should only be taken while under the care of a licensed physician.