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Sleep Disorder : Restless Legs Syndrome - Causes & Types


Restless Legs Syndrome - Causes & Types

In primary restless legs syndrome (RLS), no cause can be found. Secondary RLS is caused by another disease or condition.

Research and brain autopsies have implicated both dopaminergic system and iron insufficiency in the substantia nigra,of the brain. (study published in Neurology, 2003). Iron is involved in the formation of dopamine.

Genetics: An Icelandic study, in 2005, confirmed the presence of an RLS susceptibility gene. 40% of cases of RLS are familial and are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion with variable penetrance.

However, the exact cause of Restless leg syndrome is unknown.

Types

Restless Legs Syndrome is either primary or secondary.

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Primary RLS

In most cases of restless legs syndrome (RLS), no cause can be found. Such a condition is called primary RLS. It is known, however, that primary RLS tends to run in families. People whose parents have RLS are more likely to develop the disorder. People with familial RLS tend to be younger when symptoms start and have a slower progression of the condition.

Secondary RLS

Secondary RLS is RLS that is caused by another disease or condition, or as a side effect of certain medications. Some of the diseases and conditions that can cause RLS are:

  • Iron deficiency (with or without anemia)
  • Kidney failure
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  • Diabetes
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Damage to the nerves in the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Pregnancy

RLS is common in pregnant women. It usually occurs during the last 3 months of pregnancy and usually improves or disappears within a few weeks after delivery. However, some women may continue to have symptoms after giving birth or may develop RLS again later in life.

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