title: Restless legs syndrome.
abstract: Restless legs syndrome is a common sensorimotor disorder characterized by an urge to move, and associated with uncomfortable sensations in the legs (limbs). Restless legs syndrome can lead to sleep-onset or sleep-maintenance insomnia, and occasionally excessive daytime sleepiness, all leading to significant morbidity. Brain iron deficiency and dopaminergic neurotransmission abnormalities play a central role in the pathogenesis of this disorder, along with other nondopaminergic systems, although the exact mechanisms are still. Intensive care unit patients are especially vulnerable to have unmasking or exacerbation of restless legs syndrome because of sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disturbance, immobilization, iron deficiency, and use of multiple medications that can antagonize dopamine.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Saiprakash B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Venkateshiah
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. Electronic address: oioac@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Octavian C
authors.initials: OC
authors.lastname: Ioachimescu
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D021081:Chronobiology Disorders; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012892:Sleep Deprivation
chemical_list: D018491:Dopamine Agonists
keywords: Alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligands; Dopaminergic agents; Iron deficiency; Opioid agents; Periodic leg movements of sleep; Restless legs syndrome