Let me know if you want me to stay in the group

[Guest guest]

I am a physician who has had RLS for several years and about 18 months

ago I accidentally discovered some simple exercises that relieved my

symptoms, which are, admittedly, mild. In investigating whether or not

this had been reported in the medical literature, I found that it had

not. In addition, I found that the current concepts of causation were

that it was inherited, and that it was due to brain, spinal cord, or

spinal abnormalities. I knew that I did not have any of these and that

no neurological problem could be relieved by 15 minutes of low grade

exercise. I have spent the last 18 months reviewing and analyzing 190

articles from the medical literature from the original article of the

Swedish neurologist, Ekbom, in 1945 through the present time. The

clinical studies do not support the current theories of neurological

causation but do support the principles of Ekbom that RLS is primarily a

vascular problem.

I don't want to impose myself on the group, but, without trying to

be offensive, it is obvious that many of you have very little knowledge

of the multiple previous studies that have been done.Please let me know

if you don't want me to stay in the group.

Below is a summary of some of the arguments against a neurological

origin.

Reasons why restless legs is not of neurological origin, but

vascular

Some people are relieved by vasodilators

Stopping vasodilators makes the symptoms worse

Giving vasoconstrictors makes the symptoms worse.

A reduction in physical activity relieves symptoms overnight in many

Pregnant women who are put on bed rest in the third trimester usually

get relief

After delivery, 94 of 97 women obtained complete relief most in 10

days

At least 15% of sufferers have spontaneous remissions, frequently of a

month or more.

When symptoms occur, physical activity usually gives temporary relief.

Symptoms can be improved by a long-term exercise program

People frequently get the onset of symptoms after a sub-total

gastrectomy

Symptoms are made worse by alcohol, and smoking and relieved by stopping

smoking and reducing the alcoholic intake.

Symptoms are made worse by varicose veins, vasoconstriction, and venous

insufficiency.

Symptoms are made worse by and can be caused by caffeine, and improve

when the caffeine is stopped.

People with mild restless legs get symptoms only after strenuous

exercise.

Symptoms are worse after a physically tiring day

RLS is associated with microemboli to the lungs and to the legs

Why does iron deficiency anemia make the symptoms worse in some people

but 75% of people with iron deficiency do not have RLS

M. Meadows, M.D.