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Restless Legs Syndrome Causes

 

 

What causes restless legs syndrome?

 

In most cases, the cause of RLS is unknown (RLS type referred to as primary).

In other cases (RLS type referred to as secondary), RLS seems to be related to the following factors:

• Low iron levels or anemia. Once iron levels or anemia is corrected, patients may see a reduction in symptoms.
• Chronic diseases (diabetes, Hypoglycemia, or Parkinson's disease). Treating the underlying condition often reduces the RLS symptoms.
• Last trimester of pregnancy. The symptoms usually disappear after delivery.
• Certain medications: antinausea drugs, antiseizure drugs, antipsychotic drugs, drugs used to treat depression, some cold and allergy medications. Patients can talk with their physicians about the possibility of changing medications.

 

Researchers also have found that caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may aggravate or trigger symptoms in patients who are predisposed to develop RLS. Some studies have shown that a reduction or complete elimination of such substances may relieve symptoms, although it remains unclear whether elimination of such substances can prevent RLS symptoms from occurring at all.

More then 60% of cases of RLS are familial and are inherited from parents.