1. What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
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| The term restless legs syndrome is frequently used
to describe a set of symptoms in the legs that cannot be found
to be caused by known disorders. Most people describe a
discomfort in their legs which means they have to move them
around. It is often worse at night and does not appear to be
helped by simple pain killers. |
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2. What causes restless legs?
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| We do not know what cause restless legs syndrome.
It may be quite normal but for some people the symptoms can be
very upsetting. There are some theories that restless legs can
be caused by a lack of some vitamins in the diet. |
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3. How is restless leg syndrome diagnosed?
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| The diagnosis is made by excluding other causes of
leg pains. There are many cause for aching legs such as exercise
induced pain; problems with the veins like varicose veins; a
poor circulation because of furred up arteries; pain from nerves
that have been squashed. |
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4. Who should I see if I have restless legs?
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| It is best if you see your own family doctor or GP
first so that they can give you an opinion on the probable cause
of your leg pains. They may then refer you to a neurologist
(nerve and brain doctor), a vascular surgeon (blood vessels), a
spinal surgeon (back problems) or a pain specialist.
Each of these specialists have their own skills but it may be
necessary to see more than one specialist before the diagnosis
can be made.
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5. Is there any treatment for restless legs?
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| Sometimes restless legs can be made better by some
medicine called quinine sulphate. The only other treatment
appears to be reassurance that there is no really serious cause
for the leg discomfort.
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6. Has there been research into restless legs?
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| We know very little about restless legs. It does
not cause severe disability or death so research organisations
have, so far, been reluctant to give money to research.
Mr Braithwaite hopes to conduct some research into the
condition.
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7. What should I do If I have restless leg syndrome?
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| Mr Braithwaite would be interested to hear from
you so that he can discuss whether you would like to take part
in his research into the condition.
Please contact him at restless.legs@bdb.org.uk
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8. Are there any support groups?
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| The Ekbom Support Group can be accessed at http://welcome.to/ekbom |
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