Restless legs syndrome: symptoms and causes

he restless leg syndrome It could affect two million people in Spain. Spanish Society of Neurology SEN estimates indicate that this syndrome affects 10% of adults and 4% of children and adolescents. Furthermore, according to SEN, 90% of those people who suffer from it will be so Undiagnosed.

Restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a disease neurosis Which consists of generating the need to move legs that they cannot control. This need is generated by a burning sensation, tingle Or itching, during moments of rest, which decreases with movement. In addition, these symptoms usually occur during the afternoon and night, which also causes sleep problems.

“Since the symptoms of this disease usually occur mainly at rest or at night, it is very common for patients to suffer from it Difficulties sleeping Or relaxation, which can significantly affect the patient’s quality of life.” Dr. Celia Garcia Mallomember of the Sleep-Wake Disorders Study Group of the Spanish Society of Neurology.

“It is not for nothing that restless legs syndrome, in addition to its impact on sleep quality, is usually associated with sleeplessness Anxiety and depression“Plus, it can have a significant impact on social and work relationships,” he adds.

In most cases, especially at the beginning of the disease. symptoms It appears in a very discreet and transient manner, which makes the majority of patients not notice their symptoms until the disease moves to the second stage. This generates it Diagnosis delayed Several years, exceeding 10 years of delay in most cases. Part of the problem with delayed diagnosis relates to the “normalization” of the appearance of these discomforts and the difficulty of accessing a specialist doctor who can clarify the diagnosis.

The doctor explains, “These cases begin in childhood, when the presence of these discomforts in the extremities can be attributed to growing pains or hyperactivity, and this is where the greatest delay in diagnosis occurs.” “However, we know that at least 25% of patients begin to experience symptoms of the disease in childhood or adolescence,” he adds.

Recommendations

Cases that start at a younger age are those that can become More serious cases. About 20% of the most severe cases of restless legs syndrome occur in people with… symptoms They started before the age of 20. “However, it is not a disease that only appears for the first time in childhood or adolescence. Because although it can start at any age, the vast majority of people begin to experience symptoms starting in their 40s. Moreover It is a disease that does not appear until childhood or adolescence. “It is more common in women than in men,” says Garcia Malo.

Therefore the recommendation is to all people who experience it Leg discomfort, especially when they occur so frequently that it makes it difficult to initiate or maintain sleep, consult your doctor to make a correct diagnosis, study whether there is any underlying cause and treat the disorder appropriately. Although the causes behind this disease are still unknown, it is linked to genetic factors. Iron deficiency And changes in dopamine levels in the brain. But it can also be associated with certain diseases and medical conditions, such as kidney failure, diabetes, pregnancy, neuropathies, spinal cord diseases, or diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis.

“Depending on whether or not some sort of underlying cause has been identified, the treatment will vary. Anyway, in general, treatment It will focus on treating symptoms and improving sleep quality. Therapeutic methods may include Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol, maintaining a regular sleep routine, exercising, and applying relaxation techniques. In more serious cases or when the disease greatly interferes with the quality of life, there is specific medication to improve the symptoms,” explains Dr. Celia García Malo.

“However, it is important that… Correct tracking To monitor the development of the disease and its symptoms, to try to prevent this disease from getting worse. “Because when the disease progresses and patients suffer from a severe form of this disease, it is very difficult to find an effective treatment regimen.”