RSL Syndrome & Fibro-There is a coloration!!!!

[Guest guest]

Hey Ya'll remember me asking if anyone else out there had RSL syndrom

as well as Fibro? Well heres an article on it, you may find it

interesting especially those of you that answered yes to my

question....Things that make you go Hummmmm.....Hinky

Restless Legs Syndrome: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Friday, April 18, 2008

FMOnline, vol.8, no. 4

How many of these questions can you answer " yes " to:

When you sit or lie down, do you have a strong desire to move your

legs?

Is that desire to move your legs impossible to resist?

Have you ever used the words " unpleasant, " " creepy

crawly, " " creeping, " " itching, " " pulling, " or " tugging " to describe

your symptoms to others?

Does your desire to move often occur when you are resting or sitting

still?

Does moving your legs make you feel better?

Do you complain of these symptoms more at night?

Do you keep your bed partner awake with the jerking movements of your

legs?

Do you ever have involuntary leg movements while you are awake?

Are you tired or unable to concentrate during the day?

Do any of your family members have similar complaints?

Does a trip to the doctor only reveal that nothing is wrong and there

is no physical cause for your discomfort?

If you answered " yes " to a majority of these questions, you may have

restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Up to 10 percent of the U.S. population may have RLS. Many people

have a mild form of the disorder, but RLS severely affects the lives

of millions of individuals.

While RLS is most often diagnosed in middle-aged individuals, it

affects people of all ages. People can often trace their symptoms

back to their childhood.

RLS and Fibromyalgia

This topic is especially important to individuals living with

fibromyalgia. According to Dr. Helen A. Emsellem MD, the Medical

Director for the Center for Sleep & Wake Disorders in Chevy Chase,

MD, " RLS is seen in approximately one-third of patients with

fibromyalgia. "

Emsellem goes on to explain that while there is currently not a

scientific explanation for the coexistence of RLS in patients with

fibromyalgia, diagnosing and treating RLS may help relieve a patients

fibromyalgia symptoms. " Drugs that increase brain dopamine levels,

especially those binding to specific dopamine receptors such as

ropinirole and pramipexole (both FDA approved for use in RLS), have

been shown to have efficacy in improving the quality of sleep and

restorative nature of sleep in fibromyalgia. It is postulated that

this positive effect is not only due to the improvement in the RLS

but perhaps also due to a direct effect on mechanisms involved in the

generation of FM symptoms. "

Primary Features of RLS

In order for you to be officially diagnosed with RLS, you must meet

the following criteria:

You have a strong urge to move your legs (often accompanied by

uncomfortable sensations) that you may not be able to resist.

Your RLS symptoms start or become worse when you are resting.

Your RLS symptoms get better when you move your legs.

Your RLS symptoms are worse in the evening especially when you are

lying down.

In addition, RLS can cause difficulty in falling or staying asleep

which can be one of the chief complaints of the syndrome.

Causes of RLS

Extensive research into the cause of RLS is occurring worldwide. A

single unifying cause has not been identified, but we are getting

closer. Here is what we know:

RLS often runs in families.

RLS sometimes appears to be a result of another condition, which,

when present, worsens the underlying RLS.

Up to 25 percent of women develop RLS during pregnancy, but symptoms

often disappear after giving birth.

Anemia and low iron levels frequently contribute to a worsening of

RLS.

RLS is very common in patients who require dialysis for end-stage

renal disease.

Damage to the nerves of the hands or feet contributes to RLS.

Attention Deficit Disorder is common in children and adults with RLS.

Diagnosis

Your doctor should:

Listen to a description of your symptoms.

Complete a diagnostic interview.

Review your medical history.

Complete a thorough physical exam.

Rule out conditions that may be confused with RLS.

Your doctor may:

Check your iron (ferritin) levels.

Ask you to stay overnight in a sleep study lab to determine other

causes of your sleep disturbance.

Currently, there are no lab tests available to confirm or deny the

presence of RLS.

Treatment Options

The FDA has currently approved two drugs for the treatment of RLS.

Both Requip and Mirapex have received this approval. Several other

drugs have been approved for other conditions and have undergone

clinical studies in RLS.

In addition to medications, there are other things you and your

doctor can consider when trying to help you deal with RLS. These

options may include:

Checking to see if there is an underlying iron or vitamin deficiency.

Looking at medications you may be taking that make RLS worse.

Looking at any herbal and over-the-counter medicines you may be

taking.

Identifying habits and activities that worsen RLS symptoms.

Looking at your diet to assure it is healthy and balanced.

Discussing whether or not antihistamines could be contributing to

your RLS.

Eliminating your alcohol intake.

Looking at various activities that may help you personally deal with

RLS.

Attempting to keep your mind engaged with activities.

Possibly eliminating caffeine.

Implementing a program of good sleep habits.

Because no single treatment for RLS is entirely effective for

everyone, continued research is of vital importance. Until we find

the cause of RLS and a cure for it, your best approach is to work

closely with your healthcare provider, join a local RLS support

group, and explore both non-drug and drug treatments. These

strategies offer the most reliable approach to living a happy and

productive life in spite of having RLS.

The RLS Foundation

The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation is a nonprofit organization

which provides the latest information about RLS. The three goals of

the Foundation are to increase awareness, improve treatments, and

through research, find a cure.

You can learn more about the organization here. You'll also find a

searchable healthcare provider directory, support group information,

and a discussion board. You can find out about current research on

RLS and view the Foundation's publications, including past issues of

Nights.

For $25 a year ($30 in Canada and $40 internationally) you can also

become a member of the RLS Foundation. Members receive a long list of

benefits including a subscription to Nights, the Foundation's

quarterly newsletter which provides treatment updates from

physicians, scientists, and patients.

The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, Inc, is located at 1610 14th

St NW, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55901. Learn more by calling 877-INFO

RLS or going to www.rls.org/.

---------------------------

This article was originally published in FMOnline. This free online

newsletter is only available to registered members. Click here to

register!

View other articles in Vol. 8, No. 4 newsletter:

In the Spotlight

Join the Awareness Day Team!

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The Scoop on Sjögren's

Interstitial Cystitis

In the News

TMJ Conference

Chronic Illness Symposium

Costs of FM

Understanding Debit Card Pros and Cons for Soc. Sec. Disability

Grants for Pain Relief Dogs

Author Seeks Interview Subjects

NFA News

NFA Hosts Inaugural Walk of FAME

Artículos en Español

¿Qué es la Cistitis Intersticial (CI)?

¿Qué es el Síndrome de Sjögren?

El Síndrome de Piernas Inquietas: Causas, Diagnóstico y Tratamiento

4 Pasos para Sacar Lo Máximo de Sus Paseos

This interest

All interests Search: