 |
print the page |  |
email the page |  |
|
- What is restless legs syndrome?
- Symptoms of restless legs syndrome
- Causes of restless legs syndrome
- Prevention of restless legs syndrome
- Risk factors for restless legs syndrome
- Complications of restless legs syndrome
- When to see a doctor about restless legs syndrome
- Diagnosis of restless legs syndrome
- Conventional treatment of restless legs syndrome
- Alternative/complementary treatment of restless legs syndrome
- Living with restless legs syndrome
- Caring for someone with restless legs syndrome
Risk factors for restless legs syndrome
There are a number of risk factors associated with either causing restless legs syndrome or making symptoms much worse:
- Abnormal CNS function - some research suggests that a central nervous system which does not function properly and is not abe to control the muscle effectively, can be one of the risk factors associated with the development of restless legs syndrome
- Abnormal neurotransmitter function - some research suggests that if the neurotransmitter dopamine does not function properly, this can cause restless legs syndrome
- Certain health conditions - there are a number of health conditions which are directly linked with development of restless legs syndrome. Having any of these other conditions increases risk of also developing restless legs syndrome: kidney disease (especially if dialysis is required), diabetes, fibromyalgia, myelitis, nerve disease, rheumatoid arthritis, varicose veins
- Certain medications - risk of developing restless legs syndrome increases when taking certain medications. The most common medications which may cause temporary secondary restless legs syndrome are: anti-convulsants, anti-depressants, beta-blockers, H2 blockers, lithium and neuroleptics
- Certain substances - a number of substances increase the risk of developing temporary secondary restless legs syndrome. The most common substances responsible for this are: alcohol, smoking cigarettes and caffeine. Avoiding or strictly limiting these substances usually resolves symptoms
Advertisement
- Fatigue - extreme fatigue is a risk factor for exacerbating restless legs syndrome symptoms due to the body not being able to rest properly during sleep
- Mineral deficiencies - studies show that a deficiency of certain minerals, especially iron and/or magnesium are both risk factors in the development of restless legs syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathy - damage to the nerves of the legs and arms is a major risk factor for this condition, as it is thought be to one of the main causes of secondary restless legs syndrome
- Pregnancy - up to 40% of all women who are in their second trimester of pregnancy experience symptoms of restless legs syndrome, which means pregnancy is a risk factor for this condition. Fortunately, the symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks of delivery
- Stress - this is a risk factor for exacerbating existing symptoms (although stress is not known to actually cause restless legs syndrome). Stress can increase the levels of the stress hormones, which can greatly increase the body's usage of certain vitamins and minerals and puts more pressure on the body and so make symptoms worse
- Vitamin deficiencies - studies show that a deficiency of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is a risk factors in the development of restless legs syndrome
Advertisement
Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
< 4: prevention 6: complications > Last reviewed: 29 October 2007 || Last updated: 5 February 2009
Related Articles
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
