Ziki - Jim Murtagh's last published content http://www.ziki.com/en/jim-murtagh+135972 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:29:39 +0200 120 My aggregated content at ziki.com Diagnosing Restless Leg Syndrome, from the Offices of Dr. James Murtagh http://www.ziki.com/en/jim-murtagh+135972/post/diagnosing-restless-leg-syndrome-from-the-offices-of-dr-james-murtagh+13004365 Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which individuals have an urge to adjust or move their legs or other limbs in order to diminish uncomfortable sensations. The disorder is typically characterized by "pins and needles," or crawling, aching, and tingling sensations in the lower legs, though it may also affect other parts of the body. Episodes may last for one hour or more and worsen when sleeping or sitting at rest for a long time. RLS may be hereditary, and while the root cause cannot be determined for many people, patients who are pregnant, have an iron deficiency, or have been diagnosed with chronic kidney or Parkinson's disease experience RLS at higher rates than other individuals.

Doctors diagnose RLS using four main evaluation questions: Does moving your legs temporarily relieve the symptoms? Is it necessary to move your legs to relieve pain or negative sensations? Does your leg discomfort increase during rest? Are overall symptoms more prominent at night?

While there is no cure for RLS, certain low-dose medications may provide relief. In addition, patients may also engage in practices that relax muscles and reduce stress, including leg massages, stretching, and taking warm baths.

In January of 2011, the Board of Directors of the RLS Foundation approved a name change for RLS, which will be implemented in the near future. The disorder will soon be referred to as Willis-Ekbom disease after Sir Thomas Willis, who first described the syndrome in the 17th century, and Karl Axel Ekbom, a Swedish neurologist who began using the term RLS in the early 20th century.

Sleep expert Dr. James Murtagh is the Medical Director of the Eastgate laboratory for SleepCare Center. He works in Cincinnati, Ohio.


Understanding Restless Legs Syndrome

 


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