More on Restless Legs Syndrome
From www.msnbc.com’s health section:
Restless legs in the genes, not the imagination
2 studies show strange-sounding twitchy syndrome is a real condition
Scientists have linked certain genes to restless legs syndrome, suggesting the twitching condition described as “jimmy legs? in a “Seinfeld? episode is biologically based and not an imaginary disorder.
New studies published this week in two top medical journals are being called the first to identify specific genes responsible for restless legs syndrome symptoms.
Research in the New England Journal of Medicine, linked a common gene variation to nighttime leg-twitching. It involved people in Iceland and the United States.
A second study in Nature Genetics identified the same gene variation and two others in Germans and Canadians with restless legs syndrome.
“This discovery demonstrates the power of genetics not only for uncovering the biological causes of disease, but also for defining diseases such as RLS and establishing them as medical conditions,? said Dr. Kari Stefansson, in a prepared statement.
Stefansson is a prominent Icelandic scientist who co-authored the New England Journal study.
Restless legs syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs. Sufferers say it often hits at night, preventing them from sleeping.
restless legs syndrome
July 19th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
You know when I suffered worst? During pregnancy. Yep, it’s not enough to gain 20-35 lbs and be nauseous for half of your life and swell up.. now you lose sleep, too. And apparently, it’s very common among pregnant women.
Just a thought.
July 19th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Thanks for commenting, Sara. RLS is so uncomfortable, and I can emphathize with you. RLS struck me when I was on dialysis. The dr’s wanted to prescribe some ungodly expensive medication, but I said no, pick something that was already on the approved medication list from the ins co. They also took all potassium out of my diet: no potatoes or bananas! On top of the Dialysis Diet! I’m so glad those days are behind me. (Hopefully!)