What Is Restless Legs Syndrome

What is restless legs syndrome can be answered by information that includes the definition, the symptoms, the causes and the possible treatments. It is important to know this information so that you will be aware in preventing restless legs syndrome.

Restless leg syndrome is defined as a condition that produces unpleasant feelings affecting mainly the legs. This condition happens when a person is at rest and wants to move the affected leg. Temporary relief from the unpleasant feeling can be obtained once the affected limb is moved. The unpleasant sensation is a mixed feeling such as crawling sensation, twitchy legs, and water running down the legs or a tooth like feeling. This condition was fully described by Karl Ekbom in 1945 but was recognized earlier in the 17th century.

The adult population are more prone to suffer this condition. The incidence can answer the question what is restless legs syndrome. Although there is a small percentage of incidence of patients suffering however there are those who might suffering the condition without being diagnosed. Anyone can experience this at any point of their life although the onset may occur before the age of 20. Women are more prone to have restless legs syndrome than men are and the symptoms are often experienced in the evening.

The cause of restless legs syndrome is still unknown however; research suggests that the syndrome may be related to dopamine imbalance in the human brain. There are two types of restless legs syndrome such as the primary and secondary. The primary RLS commonly starts in early adult age but has no actual cause found. The symptoms start as mild but may become severe and frequent after 50 years old.

There are also cases where almost half of the family members suffer from this condition and researchers identified that genes for RLS are present in the chromosomes. On the other hand, what is restless legs syndrome can be identified if you are experiencing the secondary type of RLS. This type is commonly associated with pregnancy, kidney failure, chronic alcoholism, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus and anaemia. Secondary RLS exist due to some medications prescribed for depression, sleeping and blood pressure. What is restless legs syndrome could be answered when you consult your physician and undergo check up.