Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common medical problem with a high prevalence in large-scale population studies. RLS can severely affect sleep and significantly impair a person's quality of life. The diagnosis of RLS is clinically based, and it involves possessing each of the four following internationally established criteria:
• Irresistible urge to move limbs;
• Symptoms worsened with rest;
• Symptoms worse later in the day/night;
• Symptom relief with movement.
Although an estimated 1/10 of adult Americans suffer from RLS, there is no known cause. The original description by Dr. Ekbom in 1944, he noted some of his patients had coarse varicose veins. In a follow up report by Dr. Ekbom, he mentioned a possible vascular cause of the newly recognized syndrome. Whether RLS symptoms represent overlapping syndromes or possibly an association between the symptoms of RLS and venous congestion, new research is shedding light on a potential vascular cause.
We know there are numerous attributes of RLS that are routinely found in patients with varicose and spider veins. These features include a genetic predisposition, increased incidence with advancing age, female predominance, symptoms that worsen with pregnancy and multiparity. In our investigation presented at the World Congress of Phlebology, we reported an RLS incidence (based upon International RLS Study Group criteria) of 36% in 174 consecutive patients with varicose veins (VV) compared to 98 age and sex matched controls 19% (p < 0.05). Although this study reports a high prevalence of RLS symptoms in patients with varicose veins, a cause and effect relationship has not been developed.
Using the pregnant patient as the physiological example, it is known that clinical RLS is present in 20% of pregnancies in the 3rd trimester when superficial veins of the extremities are under the greatest pressure. What is peculiar is that following the newborn´s delivery, symptoms of RLS abate within four weeks in 96% of those studied.
New research is being reported by Dr. Clint Hayes, a vascular surgeon and vein expert at the Vein Center of North Texas. Dr. Hayes has and his colleagues recently published results sharing reduction in RLS symptoms following treatment of varicose veins with endovenous laser and sclerotherapy. Dr. Hayes has received numerous research grants for his work and believes that a certain subset of patients with all four features of RLS and presence of venous disease stand to benefit not only from improved circulation, but reduction of those symptoms attributed to RLS.
If you or a loved one suffer from the symptoms of RLS or have concerns about your venous health, seek an evaluation from a vein specialist.
