Restless Legs Syndrome is More Common in Women

Anadolu Health Center Neurology Specialist Professor Dr. Yaşar Kütükçü gave information about the higher incidence of restless legs syndrome in women and the treatment of the disease.

Restless legs syndrome, which is very common in society, is not considered a disease, so people live with this disease for years without treatment. Stating that restless legs syndrome occurs especially during the rest period, Anadolu Health Center Neurology Specialist Prof. Dr. Yaşar Kütükçü said, “Restraint legs syndrome, which is a neurological disease that manifests itself with complaints such as numbness, burning, pins and needles, tingling, pain and a strong desire to move the legs, usually occurs in the evening hours.” said.

Stating that restless legs syndrome is seen approximately twice as often in women than in men, Kütükçü said, “Diseases such as iron deficiency, advanced kidney failure, diabetes and Parkinson's can cause restless legs syndrome. However, restless legs syndrome can be treated with relaxing movements and appropriate medication.” he said.

According to studies, the incidence of restless legs syndrome varies between 1-15 percent. Emphasizing that this figure is between 3-5 percent in Turkey, Kütükçü said, “Restless legs syndrome is a disease that usually occurs in advanced ages, but it can be seen at all ages. While the complaints of restless legs syndrome usually occur in the evening hours and on the legs, they can also be seen during long periods of sitting and resting during the day in advanced cases. One of the most important features of the disease is the reduction of symptoms with movement.

Shows symptoms during rest periods

Emphasizing that the symptoms often occur in the evening and during rest hours, Kütükçü said, “Periodic Leg Movements (PBH) that occur in the legs at regular intervals can be seen during sleep in an average of 80 percent of patients with restless legs syndrome.” used the phrase.

Kütükçü pointed out that periodic leg movements may occur in some patients without restless legs syndrome. There are symptoms such as abnormal sensations in the legs, a strong desire to move, the symptoms appearing in resting situations such as sitting and lying, and the symptoms are completely or partially resolved by moving.

Iron deficiency and some drugs trigger restless legs syndrome

Saying that iron deficiency is the most important indicator of restless legs syndrome, Kütükçü said, “Advanced kidney failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, nerve damage due to various reasons, rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy are among the factors that can cause restless legs syndrome. Apart from these, some drugs for nausea, depression and psychosis, and some epilepsy, cold and blood pressure drugs can worsen the symptoms of restless legs syndrome.

Smoking adversely affects treatment

Reminding that there is a cure for restless legs syndrome, Kütükçü said, “First of all, small changes can be made in lifestyle. Caffeine-containing foods such as cigarettes, chocolate, tea and coffee should be avoided; Especially in the evening before going to bed, care should be taken not to consume them. If the discomfort continues despite the necessary changes, treatment should be started by consulting a specialist. made the statement.