Restless legs syndrome (RLS), formerly known as the Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a debilitating neurological disease that causes an irresistible urge to move your legs, especially when at rest. This sensation is usually worse in the evening or at night when resting or sleeping and often tends to become less intense with movement.
Unmasking the Symptoms of RLS
The primary symptom of RLS is the incessant urge to move the legs which becomes particularly pronounced when you are trying to rest, such as when you’re sitting or lying down.
Some people may also experience strange sensations, like itching, crawling, or tingling in their legs. Moving around can provide temporary relief, but the symptoms often return when the movement stops. As a result, this can significantly interfere with sleep quality, leading to exhaustion, cognitive decline, and reduced overall quality of life.
What Causes RLS?
The exact cause of RLS is unknown, but it is believed that genetic factors may play a role, especially in cases where the disease starts at a younger age. Research also suggests that RLS might be linked to fluctuations in levels of iron and dopamine in the brain, both of which are vital for proper brain and nerve functioning.
Certain health conditions may also trigger the onset of RLS or make symptoms worse. These include kidney failure, peripheral neuropathy, and iron deficiency. Pregnancy can trigger RLS as well, particularly during the last trimester. Not to mention, lifestyle factors like excessive caffeine consumption, lack of sleep, or certain medications can also trigger or exacerbate symptoms.
How is RLS Diagnosed?
There’s no specific test to diagnose RLS. Instead, doctors rely on a patient’s description of symptoms, review of medical history, and ruling out other potential disorders with similar symptoms.
The four main criteria used to diagnose RLS include the urge to move the legs, symptom worsening at rest, symptom relief with movement, and symptoms worsening in the evening or nighttime.
RLS Treatment and Management
Although there’s no cure for RLS, several treatments can help manage symptoms. The first line of defense includes lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine intake, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
Medical treatment options for RLS typically involve medications that increase dopamine levels in the brain, like ropinirole, pramipexole, and rotigotine. In some cases, benzodiazepines, opioids, or anticonvulsant drugs may also be prescribed to alleviate the discomfort associated with the disorder.
In addition, research suggests that supplementing with iron or magnesium may also help reduce symptoms. In more severe cases or where traditional treatments have proven ineffective, your doctor may recommend electrical stimulation therapy or deep brain stimulation to help alleviate symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Restless legs syndrome is a debilitating condition that can be challenging to live with, affecting not just sleep and cognitive functions, but also the overall quality of life. Traditional treatments have proven effective for most people, but unfortunately, they don’t work for everyone.
Luckily for individuals who have not found relief from traditional treatment options, there is still hope! At Roswell Infusions, we offer personalized ketamine treatment plans for RLS. Ketamine therapy has shown promise in alleviating the discomfort and distress associated with RLS, offering a lifeline for those struggling with severe and treatment-resistant symptoms.
Schedule a free consultation to explore the potential benefits of ketamine therapy with our experienced team and discover how we can help you find the relief you need.
If you are interested in learning more about ketamine for Restless Legs Syndrome treatment in Roswell, NM, contact Roswell Ketamine Infusions and request your consultation today.