Willis-Ekbom disease, known as Restless Leg Syndrome It is a disorder or disorder that is present in 2% of the world's population, which can affect both women and men to any extent. This syndrome has several causes and symptoms, which will be explained along with its diagnosis and treatment.
Discover what Restless Legs Syndrome is
This syndrome is nothing more than the discomfort or unpleasant sensations suffered in the extremities when they are at rest; It normally occurs more in the legs, which is why it acquires that name. It is a disease that many are unaware of, but that affects a large number of people around the world; especially when falling asleep, which is why they have problems with it.
The disease is usually quite annoying and affects people who want to sleep or relax; which, by not being able to, produces negative consequences in the normal development of their daily lives, for example, they feel fatigue and exhaustion. This fatigue affects their performance, which negatively influences the work, social relationships and other activities made by people who suffer from it.
As we mentioned, both genders can suffer from this disease. However, studies have shown that more women are affected. On the other hand, restless legs syndrome can appear at any age from childhood to old age; but it usually affects people who have already passed the middle stage of their lives, that is, those over forty years of age.
What are the causes of Willis-Ekbom disease?
Today the exact cause why people suffer from this syndrome is still unknown. Despite this, studies show that the problem has a certain relationship with dopamine and the way in which cells use it. This is because dopamine is responsible for regulating movement, which requires iron for optimal functioning; where patients also suffer from problems with said mineral and its deposits.
Restless legs syndrome is also related to other health problems and diseases. Among them we can find:
- As we said, the iron problems They are usually present in people who suffer from the syndrome. Which indicates that individuals who have a problem with it or anemia increase their chances of developing it. If this failure is corrected, they normally begin a progressive healing and gradual disappearance of symptoms.
- Pregnancy has been linked in many cases to the disease, frequently in the last three months. Despite this, those women who acquire the syndrome during pregnancy usually see it disappear after the first month after giving birth.
- Diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy and multiple sclerosis They have also been linked to restless legs syndrome.
- Consumed substances such as alcohol and caffeine, in addition to tobacco, have also been associated with many cases of Willis-Ekbom disease; where studies have shown that patients who have reduced or eliminated consumption relieved the symptoms of the syndrome. However, it has not yet been proven whether with this alone they can get rid of the disease and not show an acceleration of it over the years.
- A great relationship has been seen in the patient's genetics, with the children of an affected person being highly likely to contract the syndrome; so heredity is a determining factor in some cases.
Know the symptoms of restless legs syndrome
The main symptom of restless legs syndrome is discomfort produced in the extremities, usually when they are at rest. Which cause the person to have to move in order to calm them down. This symptom is also visible when the affected person is sleeping, having rhythmic movements (a problem known as «periodic movement disorder of the extremities").
It should be noted that people who also have another health problem that has been mentioned above usually have more severe symptoms and a more advanced development of the syndrome; while those who do not, present the symptoms to a greater extent with the passing of the years. Furthermore, according to patients, these occur more at night than during the day; Sleep being the main aspect affected in their lives, which results in: drowsiness, anxiety, concentration difficulties and confusion.
- There are other symptoms related to Willikis-Ekbom disease, among which are: Itching, tenderness, pain, burning, tingling, bubbling, pulling and dragging of the extremities.
- Not all people have the same symptoms, development of the disease or duration of discomfort.
- Since symptoms occur during periods of relaxation or inactivity, they tend to affect most of the time in situations where you are sitting for a prolonged period of time. For example, travel, meetings and classes.
- There are factors that can worsen symptoms, such as the substances mentioned (nicotine, alcohol and caffeine), stress and altered emotions.
How is Willis-Ekbom disease diagnosed?
There is currently no test designed to diagnose restless legs syndrome, so various tests that the expert deems necessary will be used. For example, blood tests and others that allow evaluating the patient's history and clinical picture; as well as observe the symptoms it presents.
The doctor will evaluate if the person has family members who have had the syndrome or other conditions related to it. The diagnosis of the syndrome is clinical, but among the tests that specialists most often perform we can find:
- The aforementioned blood test, which can help measure iron and ferrite levels.
- Studies to evaluate patients' sleep; so that their quality can be observed and if there are movements during the states of wakefulness and deep sleep.
- Studies that allow the nerves of the extremities to be evaluated, so that any injury can be ruled out.
In many cases it is difficult to carry out the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome, so the specialists rely on the experience of their patients. This will ask about your symptoms, the duration of the discomfort, if there are problems with sleep or daily performance, and if the discomfort can be calmed by performing the movements. Special attention must be paid when making a diagnosis for children, because in many cases other problems such as attention deficit have been diagnosed.
It is important to highlight the presence of periodic leg movement syndrome, which we mentioned causes discomfort when sleeping. This is because in more than 70% of cases of Willis-Ekbom disease, this disorder is also present.
Treatment of restless legs syndrome
Unfortunately, this syndrome does not have a defined cure and as the patient advances in age, the symptoms become stronger and last longer (progressively if they do not have another condition and rapidly if not). However, movement is supposed to bring temporary relief to patients; which is not very helpful because it results in sleep problems and, with it, everything we explained. Therefore, it is necessary to resort to treatments that can effectively relieve symptoms and get used to certain habits.
Relieve the disease without drugs
- People who have a normal sleep schedule can reduce the symptoms of the syndrome. Therefore, you should try to go to bed early and sleep the necessary hours so that the body rests properly. In turn, the idea is to maintain the same times for going to bed and getting up.
- Performing moderate exercise has also been seen to help in decrease in symptoms. Although it is preferable that these be done in the evening, that is, between 6-10pm depending on where you are and the time you usually go to bed.
- Reducing or eliminating alcohol, tobacco and caffeine will help alleviate the signs of the disease.
- It is also possible to apply measures such as massages of the extremities, application of hot compresses and a hot shower, which can alleviate the symptoms.
It is important to note that each of these measures can help in the treatment to alleviate the disease, but not the elimination of it. However, one can also try to fix conditions related to which, for example, improving iron levels or ferrite in the blood.
Relieve the syndrome using drugs
As we explained previously, restless legs syndrome developed progressively, starting with symptoms from time to time and with moderate discomfort until it affected people's lives. Due to this, it is advisable to combine non-pharmacological measures with the use of drugs; in this way increasing the chances of relief and reducing the doses of the medications. Among the drugs that can be used to treat this disease, we find Pramipexole, ropinirole, narcotics, sinemet, gabapntin and clonazepam. Although, below we will explain the most used drugs and why.
- Medications that are also used for Parkinson's disease can be applied to treat the disease. Among them are pramipexole, ropirinol, among others.
- Clonazepam or diazepam are usually very effective for people with mild symptoms; which help patients sleep peacefully and not suffer the main consequences of this condition.
- In some cases, patients can use opioids, which help relax and relieve the discomfort of restless legs syndrome. The problem is that the side effects can be annoying, among the most common are nausea, dizziness and the possibility of addiction to medications.