Review article
Restless Legs Syndrome
Vladimir Miletić
Maja Relja
Abstract
Being of the most frequent causes of insomnia, which in the end leads to chronic fatigue, inadequate performance of
daily activities, and serious disruption of quality of living, restless legs syndrome (RLS) is nowadays not only a serious
medical problem but a socio-economical one as well. Prevalence of the disorder in general population is estimated at 5 to
15%. Family history is positive in over 50% of idiopathic RLS patients which points to genetic basis of the disorder. The
characteristics of the secondary or acquired form of RLS are symptoms that start later in life as well as a rapid progression
of the disease. On the other hand, idiopathic RLS more often starts at a younger age and the prognoses are better.
Over twenty disorders and conditions are brought in connection with secondary RLS. Although the cause of primary
RLS is still unknown, there is a strong connection between central metabolism of iron as well as dopamine levels and
RLS manifestation. A differential diagnosis of RLS includes a wide specter of motor and sensory disorders. Diagnosis is
based on clinical features and the history of disease. To correctly diagnose idiopathic RLS one must first eliminate secondary
causes of RLS and then also exclude any disorders with clinical features that mimic those of RLS. It has been estimated
that some 20 to 25% of patients need pharmacological therapy. Best initial therapy is the application of nonergot dopamine agonists. Anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines and opioides can be given to patients who are refractory to dopaminergic therapy, those suffering from RLS with emphasized painful sensory component and those with RLS connected with insomnia.
Keywords
Restless legs syndrome; epidemiology; clinical feature; diagnosis; treatment
Hrčak ID:
75689
URI
Publication date:
30.12.2011.
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