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Dr. Wolfe describes restless legs syndrome (RLS) and shares the commonly used treatments.
Dr. Wolfe:
Restless legs syndrome is a movement disorder. It’s the overwhelming urge to move legs. It’s mostly at night and with sleep time, and it can occur any age.
Restless leg syndrome can be different in different people. What unifies patients is that if they move and feel better, it’s probably restless legs. They may have pain; they may have tingling sensations; they may have no sensations at all but just know things are better if they keep moving.
Restless leg syndrome can be treated with medications. First, patient should be screened for iron deficiency, and if iron deficiency is found, both the cause of the iron deficiency and treatment for that should be investigated. Beyond iron deficiency, other medications can be helpful including dopamine agonists as well as a typical anti-epileptic medications, narcotics or even benzodiazepines.
About Dr. Lisa Wolfe, M.D.:
Dr. Lisa Wolfe, M.D., earned her medical degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health. She completed her residency and her fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Wolfe is board certified in pulmonary disease, critical care medicine and sleep medicine.
Visit Dr. Wolfe at the Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation