Have you ever experienced involuntary leg movements or what could only be called, “spasmodic jerking”?

Do these symptoms typically come during restful periods or as you're trying to go to sleep? If so, you may have what is known as restless leg syndrome.

RLS is a neurological disorder that affects nearly 15 percent of all Americans, according to the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation.

Doctors have known about RLS for more than 50 years, but it has been mischaracterized as a psychological aberration. Although the underlying cause is unknown, it is believed to stem from a lack of dopamine, a chemical that helps transmit signals to the brain, according to foundation literature.

Besides involuntary leg movements, sufferers of RLS also complain of a “creepy crawly” sensation in the legs. Dr. Marvin Lipman, chief medical advisor to Consumers Unions, believes that RLS symptoms can be relieved by drugs that compensate for the dopamine deficit.

There are two types of drugs that can help; dopamine boosters like Sinemet or dopamine receptor agonists such as Permax or Mirapex. There are side effects on both sides. Boosters can sometimes cause the sympoms to show up earlier in the day or in a different part of the body, while agonists may cause vomiting, headaches and nausea.

Lipman explains that doctors have found other disorders that may trigger RLS symptoms. “When problems such as iron or vitamin B-12 deficiency, diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis are treated, RLS symptoms may improve or disappear,” he said.

There is much that is still not known about RLS, but if you are experiencing similar symptoms, you should contact your physician. There is also free information available at 1-877-INFO-RLS or on the web at www.rls.org.

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