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Superficial anterior muscles
Superficial anterior muscles
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Restless leg syndrome

Alternative Names:
Nocturnal myoclonus; RLS

Treatment:

There is no known cure for restless leg syndrome.

Minimizing stress and promoting muscle relaxation are often helpful in reducing episodes of restless leg syndrome. Warm baths, gentle stretching exercises, massage or similar techniques may promote muscle relaxation.

If sleep is severely disrupted, medications such as Sinemet (an anti-Parkinson's medication) or tranquilizers such as clonazepam may be helpful to some people, but they may worsen daytime sleepiness in others. Low doses of Pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, has been found to be very effective in controlling symptoms in some people.

Sometimes low doses of narcotics will relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome as well.



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

Complications:
Insomnia can occur.

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

Review Date: 7/28/2002
Reviewed By: Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., MSc, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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