aetiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
Restless legs syndrome can be
- primary (idiopathic)
- in most of the patients the aetiology is unknown (1)
- a positive family history is seen in 50% of patients indicating a genetic predisposition (2)
- an early age of onset (< 45 years) is observed in patients with a family history (3)
- secondary
- three major reversible causes of secondary RLS are
- pregnancy
- iron-deficiency anaemia
- end-stage renal disease (1)
- other associatiated conditions include:
- vitamin B12/folate deficiency
- peripheral neuropathy
- Parkinson's disease
- fibromyalgia
- rheumatoid arthritis
- diabetes mellitus
- certain drugs are associated with RLS:
- antidopaminergic agents - metoclopramide
- antidepressants - Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (3)
- Lithium
- antihistamines (4)
Reference:
- (1) RLS-UK/Ekbom Syndrome Association. What is Restless legs syndrome?
- (2) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 2009. Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet.
- (3) Gamaldo C.E. et al. Rest legs syndrome – A clinical update. Chest 2006;130(5):1596-1604
- (4) Bayard M et al. Restless legs syndrome. AFP 2008;78(2)