Scientists have linked certain genes to restless legs syndrome, suggesting the twitching condition is biologically based and not an imaginary disorder. New studies published this week in two top medical journals are being called the first to identify specific genes responsible for restless legs syndrome symptoms. Research in the New England Journal of Medicine linked a common gene variation to night time leg-twitching.
What is RLS ?
Do you have these symptoms -
-You have a strong urge to move your legs which you may not be able to resist. The need to move is often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. Some words used to describe these sensations include: creeping, itching, pulling, creepy-crawly, tugging, or gnawing.
-Your RLS symptoms start or become worse when you are resting. The longer you are resting, the greater the chance the symptoms will occur and the more severe they are likely to be.
-Your RLS symptoms get better when you move your legs. The relief can be complete or only partial but generally starts very soon after starting an activity. Relief persists as long as the motor activity continues.
-Your RLS symptoms are worse in the evening especially when you are lying down. Activities that bother you at night do not bother you during the day.
RLS can also cause difficulty in falling or staying asleep which can be one of the chief complaints of the syndrome. A substantial number of people who have RLS also have periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). These are jerks that occur every 20 to 30 seconds on and off throughout the night.
-Your RLS symptoms start or become worse when you are resting. The longer you are resting, the greater the chance the symptoms will occur and the more severe they are likely to be.
-Your RLS symptoms get better when you move your legs. The relief can be complete or only partial but generally starts very soon after starting an activity. Relief persists as long as the motor activity continues.
-Your RLS symptoms are worse in the evening especially when you are lying down. Activities that bother you at night do not bother you during the day.
RLS can also cause difficulty in falling or staying asleep which can be one of the chief complaints of the syndrome. A substantial number of people who have RLS also have periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). These are jerks that occur every 20 to 30 seconds on and off throughout the night.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that is characterized by the irresistable urge to move the legs.
"This discovery demonstrates the power of genetics not only for uncovering the biological causes of disease, but also for defining diseases such as RLS and establishing them as medical conditions," said Dr Kari Stefansson in a prepared statement. Stefansson is a prominent Icelandic scientist who co-authored the New England Journal study.
The discovery also raises the question of whether genetic testing could now be used to
screen for RLS.
The discovery also raises the question of whether genetic testing could now be used to
screen for RLS.
This discovery is more than just a step forward. It represents a gigantic leap in our
understanding of this complex disorder. While further research is needed to determine exactly how this genetic variant translates into RLS symptoms, understanding this mechanism will lead to better treatments, prevention, or a cure. Dr. Rye and colleagues have found that the gene variant is more common in Icelanders with low iron—which has already been associated with RLS. Ongoing studies are examining the relationship of this variant to iron metabolism.
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