Restless leg syndrome

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Superficial anterior muscles

Nocturnal myoclonus; RLS

There is no known cure for restless leg syndrome.

Treatment is aimed at reducing stress and helping the muscles relax. Warm baths, gentle stretching exercises, massage or similar techniques may help.

If sleep is severely disrupted, medications such as Sinemet (an anti-Parkinson's medication) or tranquilizers such as clonazepam may be prescribed, but they may cause daytime sleepiness. Low doses of pramipexole or ropinirole (Requip) have been found to be very effective in controlling symptoms in some people.

Low doses of narcotics may sometimes relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

Restless leg syndrome is not dangerous or life-threatening and does not indicate a serious disorder. It can be uncomfortable and can disrupt sleep.

Insomnia may occur.

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

Review Date: 08/26/2006
Reviewed By: Gail A. Kang, M.D., San Francisco VA Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, & Clinical Center, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.