Restless legs syndrome is a relatively common condition affecting 5 to 10% of the population. A guided history of looking for the four cardinal signs can often be unmasked, but, predominantly in the evening and at night, Primary Restless Leg Syndrome can easily remain undiagnosed if not actively sought. Of unknown etiology and mechanism, it can be favored by several neurological, endocrinological, rheumatologic, metabolic, toxic or medicinal conditions that deserve to be corrected.

Introduction

Although detailed in its current description by the Swedish neurologist Karl Ekbom in the 1940s, 1,2 restless legs syndrome is a relatively common situation affecting 5 to 10% of the population. 3.4Although prevalence increases with age, symptomatology may appear in childhood where some association with hyperactive children has been described. This mainly evening or nocturnal symptomatology can escape the clinician during the hours of consultations. General and family physicians are certainly best placed to detect, diagnose and manage most patients with this syndrome. This work, which is primarily intended for them, tends to make a current review of this syndrome in its various clinical and practical aspects.

Definition

Secondary Restless Leg Syndrome is present in 80% of polysomnographies of patients with restless legs syndrome. These periodic movements predominate during sleep and, by definition, take the form of puffs of at least four movements lasting from 1/2 to 5 seconds and appearing every 5 to 90 seconds. Typically, these are movements of flexion of the leg, dorsiflexion of the ankle and extension of the big toe. Other movements involving either the trunk or the upper limbs may appear. Nevertheless, these periodic movements predominate in the lower limbs and are generally observable mainly during sleep.

Far from being pathognomonic of restless legs syndrome, these periodic movements can appear in the normal subject, especially the elderly. These periodic movements of sleep must be differentiated from the movements occurring during sleep apnea syndrome. In that case, movements usually appear when breathing resumes. During the day before, they appear only during the rest, their periodicity is less obvious, and they can sometimes trigger or be incorporated into voluntary movements which give them a prolonged appearance. Although rare, these periodic movements of the day before are often the only clinical manifestation observable in these patients whose symptomatology, evening or nocturnal, escapes the examination in office. Restless Leg Syndrome Diagnosis Near Me appears only during rest, their periodicity is less obvious, and they can sometimes trigger or be incorporated into voluntary movements which give them a prolonged appearance. Although rare, these periodic movements of the day before are often the only clinical manifestation observable in these patients whose symptomatology, evening or nocturnal, escapes the examination in office. They appear only during rest, their periodicity is less obvious, and they can sometimes trigger or be incorporated into voluntary movements which give them a prolonged appearance. Although rare, these periodic movements of the day before are often the only clinical manifestation observable in these patients whose symptomatology, evening or nocturnal, escapes the examination in office.

Sleep disorders can also accompany restless legs syndrome. These are primarily difficulties in initiating sleep, rarely accompanied by daytime fatigue, unlike other sleep disorders where this complaint is in the foreground. Nevertheless, the introduction of the treatment of this syndrome, including dopaminergic agonists, can cause such drowsiness.

Leg Cramps: Cramps or spasms in the legs are painful contractions of the leg muscles. Sometimes, lying down for a long time can cause the muscles in your leg or feet to cramp. The dehydration as well as certain medications, overuse and diseases that affect the brain and nervous system can cause this. Other causes are compression of the calf muscles or those of the back of the knee, too much phosphorus, too little calcium or potassium, and low blood sugar in the body. All these are chemical imbalances in the blood.

• The lack of minerals such as potassium or magnesium and the lack of some B vitamins influence the intensity and frequency of cramps. In fact, just when these tend to appear at rest, at night, they may indicate a lack of minerals. In contrast, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps prevent them.
• The use of diuretics and frequent diarrhea can cause dehydration and when electrolytes and mineral salts are lost, cramps can appear more easily. Staying hydrated, especially if physical exercise is practiced, decreases the risk.
• It is also true that some medications can cause them: Antihypertensives, bronchodilators, drugs for cholesterol. If cramps will happen to you it is compulsory to inform your doctor.
• On the other hand, alcohol abuse, kidney failure, hypothyroidism, anemia, liver cirrhosis, menstruation, pregnancy or even bone fractures cause a hyper-excitation of the nerves that stimulates the different muscles, which results in the cramps.

• Acute renal failure
• Chronic kidney disease
• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Heart failure
• Hormone therapy