title: Restless legs syndrome and periodic leg movements of sleep.
abstract: Women are more commonly affected than men by restless legs syndrome, and prevalence is highest amongst those of northern European heritage. The motor manifestations include nonvolitional myoclonus (periodic leg movements). Disinhibition of spinal sensorimotor circuits may underlie these primary features and can be affected by peripheral as well as supraspinal networks. Insufficient mobilizable iron stores increase expressivity in some individuals. The sensorimotor features are relieved by dopamine, especially dopamine agonists, gabapentin and its derivatives, and opioids. A diagnosis relies on recognition of key primary and supportive features, and treatments are generally well tolerated, efficacious, and life-changing.
authors.affiliation: Program in Sleep, Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, WMRB-Office 6113, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. drye@emory.edu
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Rye
authors.forename: Lynn Marie
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Trotti
mesh_terms: D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D018491:Dopamine Agonists