Restless Leg Syndrome Specialists in Delhi

 Do you know that Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) affects nearly 7-10 percent of the world's population? The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes this neuro-behavioural disorder as interfering with the lives of millions, stealing their sleep, and ruining their health. Restless Leg Syndrome greatly reduces the quality of life and, is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or even dismissed altogether.

If you also feel the sudden urge to move your legs, particularly at night, then chances are you might have been suffering from this condition without even knowing it. 

Restless leg syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological sensory disorder characterised by annoying sensations in the legs that cause an uncontrollable urge to move. This syndrome occurs unpredictably while you rest, thus greatly impairing an individual’s ability to sleep or remain in a state of sleep.

RLS can happen at any age, but mostly comes to light during middle age and in older age. Women are almost twice as likely as men to develop Restless Leg Syndrome. Unfortunately, many people suffer from this condition, untreated due to a lack of awareness. Some suffer silently, while others attribute their symptoms to fatigue or stress.

Sensations in RLS usually involve the legs, as explained by the specialists from the best neurology hospital in Delhi. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Tingling, crawling, or creeping sensations.

• Burning sensations and a deep ache.

• An uncontrollable urge to move the legs.
  
  

These symptoms tend to be increased in the evening time or during the night. These symptoms commonly produce insomnia and daytime fatigue, interfering with work performance and moods and compromising general health. If you have noticed something similar, perhaps it is time to consult a specialist, and relief, sometimes transient, occurs with movement (walking, stretching, or shaking the legs).

The factors or the real contributors behind the Restless Leg Syndrome are:

1. Genetic Factors

Restless Leg Syndrome tends to run in families, particularly if symptoms start under the age of 40.

2. Dopaminergic Imbalance

Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that controls muscle movements. Losing its function would lead to the beginning of experiencing involuntary leg movements, which is a characteristic ailment of RLS. 

3. Iron Deficiency

Low iron level in the brain is associated with RLS, which is why many individuals report that their symptoms improve with iron supplementation. 

4. Pregnancy

Approximately 20% of pregnant women experience RLS, mostly in the third trimester. But it is known and observed to be cleared up after the birth of the baby. 

5. Chronic Disease

Chronic ailments like diabetes, kidney disease, and Parkinson's disease have also been implicated in increasing the risk of RLS. 

6. Medication & Lifestyle Factors

Certain medications might worsen symptoms (e.g., antihistamines or antidepressants), as would excessive caffeine, another bad habit- alcohol, & smoking.

Unlike other medical diseases, Restless Leg Syndrome has no specific test for diagnosing the disorder. The doctors generally depend on the patient's data and pattern of symptoms to make a diagnosis. The key rules to diagnose RLS are:

• An undeniable urge to move the legs is usually associated with disagreeable sensations.

• Symptoms that worsen at nighttime or during periods of rest. 

• The discomfort is soothed in part or in whole by moving the legs.

• There is no other identifiable medical condition that would account for the symptoms. 

• Bloodwork might be ordered to detect any iron deficiency, while your physician may order sleep studies to rule out other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. 

While a permanent cure for Restless Leg Syndrome is not known, various options offer helpful methods to manage symptoms.

1. Changing Lifestyle

• Exercise: Light exercise such as walking, stretching, or yoga may alleviate symptoms.

• Avoid stimulants: Caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco should be avoided.

• Good sleep practices: Sleep should be at the same time every day, bedding should be comfortable, and relaxation should be practised. 

2. Changing Diet

• Iron-rich foods: If iron deficiency is an issue, consumption of spinach, red meat, lentils, and fortified cereals may counteract RLS symptoms. 

• More recent studies seem to indicate that magnesium and vitamin B12 supplements may also alleviate some symptoms.

3. Home Remedies

• Warm baths, massages, and heating pads may provide respite.

• Compression socks/weighted blankets may help you deal with discomfort.

4. Medications

In severe cases, doctors may prescribe:

• Dopamine agonists, including Ropinirole and Pramipexole

• Take iron pills only if blood tests show that it is needed.

• Drugs to relax muscles or help you sleep (in extreme cases). 

However, all medications must be taken with a doctor's supervision due to possible side effects. 

Many suffer in silence from this syndrome, considering this discomfort just as part of getting older or stress from daily life. The few who have sought treatment mostly report great relief. Restless leg syndrome is an inconvenience; it can be truly disturbing for the human psyche as well as their physical attributes. With better awareness, diagnosis, and management, individuals can steer their way through RLS symptoms, thus improving their quality of life.

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital provides highly advanced neurodiagnostic facilities that include:  

• PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): A cross-sectional imaging modality that obtains functional data of the brain for diagnosing neurodegenerative disorders.  

• SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography): Measures blood flow and brain activity to identify cognitive and behavioral problems.  

• fMRI (Functional MRI): This is a one-step non-invasive scan that checks the changes in blood flow in the brain.  

• Other diagnostic services are EEG (Electroencephalogram), Lumbar Puncture, and Psychiatric Evaluations.  

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital guarantees accuracy in diagnosis and treatment for all cases of neurological disorders. If you or someone you know has restless legs, don't ignore it! Seek help from a specialist and book an appointment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and pursue lifestyle changes and common support!