Restless legs syndrome (RLS) affects roughly 1.5 million children and adolescents in the United States. Children with RLS may feel the same tingling and tugging sensations in their legs as adults. However, they may struggle to describe it. Children could describe it as a “creepy-crawly” sensation. Children with restless leg syndrome El Paso have a strong desire to move their legs. They are more likely to experience signs during the day than adults.
RLS can disrupt sleep, which can harm many aspects of life. A youngster suffering from RLS may appear inattentive, impatient, or fidgety. They might be classified as disruptive or hyperactive. RLS diagnosis and treatment can help address these issues and enhance academic performance.
To diagnose RLS in children under the age of 12, the following adult criteria must be met:
- A strong want to move that is generally accompanied by unusual feelings.
- Symptoms intensify at night.
- Indicators are triggered when you try to rest or sleep, and they improve when you move.
Overview of restless legs syndrome
RLS is a disorder that causes an uncontrolled impulse to move one’s legs, generally in response to an unpleasant sensation. It commonly occurs in the evening or at night, while you are seated or lying down. Moving briefly alleviates the uncomfortable feeling. Restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom illness, can start at any age and worsens with age. It can interfere with daily activities by disrupting sleep. Simple self-care measures and lifestyle adjustments may aid with symptom relief. Many individuals with RLS benefit from medications.
Causes of restless legs syndrome
Most occurrences of restless legs syndrome are unknown to doctors; however, your genes may play a role. Almost half of all RLS patients have a family member who also has the disorder. It might also be related to:
- Chronic illnesses: RLS symptoms can be caused by several long-term medical disorders, including iron deficiency, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure or renal infection, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy.
- Lifestyle. A lack of sleep or another sleep condition, such as apnea, can induce or worsen symptoms—also the usage of alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine.
- Medications: Some medicines, such as anti-nausea medications, antipsychotics, some antidepressants, and cold and allergy treatments, including antihistamines, may exacerbate symptoms.
- Pregnancy: Some women experience RLS during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. Symptoms often disappear after a month of birth.
Diagnosing RLS
RLS can be diagnosed by your doctor based on your indications and symptoms, a comprehensive medical history, and a physical exam. Additionally, examinations such as blood testing or a sleep study may be performed. There is currently no definite test to identify restless legs syndrome. The diagnosis is especially problematic in children since the physician depends primarily on the patient’s descriptions of symptoms, which can be difficult for a youngster to express, given the nature of RLS symptoms. Sometimes the illness is misdiagnosed as “growing pains” or an attention deficit issue.
Some patients with RLS never seek medical help because they are afraid they will be dismissed. However, RLS can disrupt your sleep, create tiredness during the day, and negatively impact your quality of life. If you suspect you have RLS, consult with your doctor. Call Desert West Vein & Surgery Center or schedule your consultation online to learn more about restless leg syndrome treatments.
