Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment and Guidelines Update

Dr. Mark J. Buchfuhrer discusses clinical practice guidelines update suggesting against the standard use of dopamine agonists for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS). RLS, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a nervous system disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your limbs. Because RLS can disrupt your sleep, it’s also classified as a sleep disorder. The cause of RLS remains unknown. However, there is evidence that RLS may be related to a disruption in the pathways of dopamine, a brain chemical that helps regulate movement. There may also be a genetic component, as primary RLS often runs in families. Symptoms of RLS can be categorized as sensory or sleep related. Sensory symptoms include pain, the urge to move, and uncomfortable sensations, most often in the legs. These have been described as itching, pulling, gnawing, and the creepy- crawlies. These symptoms often get worse at night. Sleep symptoms include the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep and insufficient sleep. All of these symptoms may result in disturbed sleep, which has a broader impact on your quality of life. Dr. Buchfuhrer is a paid consultant of Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is the sponsor of the video. Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. does not claim that the views contained in this video are representative of all experiences or viewpoints on the subjects discussed. Individual patient experience s may vary.