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Ency. home > Disease > R > Restless leg syndrome

Restless leg syndrome   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Nocturnal myoclonus; RLS

Treatment

There is no known cure for RLS.

Minimizing stress and promoting muscle relaxation are often helpful in reducing episodes of RLS. Warm baths, gentle stretching exercises, massage, or similar techniques may promote muscle relaxation.

If sleep is severely disrupted, medications such as Sinemet (an anti-Parkinson's medication) or tranquilizers (such as clonazepam) may be helpful to some people, but they may worsen daytime sleepiness in other people. A dopamine agonist (Pramipexole) in low doses has been found to be very effective in controlling symptoms in some people. Sometimes low doses of narcotics will relieve symptoms of RLS.

Prognosis

The disorder is not dangerous or life threatening and does not indicate a serious disorder. It can be uncomfortable and can disrupt sleep.

Complications

Insomnia can occur.

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of restless leg syndrome are present and sleep is disrupted.

Ency. home > Disease > R > Restless leg syndrome

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