Restless Legs Syndrome: Coping with Your Sleepless Nights

Front Cover
"The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation estimates that up to 8 percent of the population suffers with restless legs syndrome (RLS). The hallmark of this neurologic disorder is an irresistible urge to move, most commonly at night. It causes uncomfortable sensations often described as creeping, crawling, tugging, burning, or aching feelings in the calves, feet, thighs, and arms. These disruptive symptoms vary in severity and can result in difficulty staying or falling asleep, fatigue, and impaired daytime function resulting from loss of sleep.

Written by respected leaders in this field and sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, Restless Legs Syndrome explains what we know about RLS, including its causes and manifestations, and what can be done to manage it. Topics covered include:

  • Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis liTreatments, including drug and non-pharmacologic therapy
  • Personal relationships and RLS
  • Resources
  • Lifestyle changes, dealing with daily activities, RLS triggers, and much more

This indispensable guide will help millions of people to understand this condition so that they can take control of their lives and make informed decisions. It also will be a useful resource for families, caregivers, and health care providers."

 

Contents

Chapter 1 What are Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder?
1
Chapter 2 How is Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnosed?
19
Chapter 3 Who Gets Restless Legs Syndrome and What Causes It?
33
Chapter 4 Nondrug Therapy and Trigger Avoidance
45
Chapter 5 Treating Intermittent Restless Legs Syndrome with Medication
67
Chapter 6 Treating Daily Restless Legs Syndrome with Medication
87
Chapter 7 Treating Refractory Restless Legs Syndrome with Medication
101
Chapter 8 Augmentation Rebound and Tolerance
111
Chapter 12 The Patients Role in managing Restless Legs Syndrome
159
Chapter 13 Applying for Social Security Disability
181
Chapter 14 Restless Legs Syndrome and Relationships
187
Chapter 15 Finding a Physician
203
Chapter 16 The Future of Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment
213
Resources
219
Glossary
231
List of Abbreviations
239

Chapter 9 Treating Secondary Restless Legs Syndrome and Patients with Additional Medical Problems
119
Chapter 10 What About Treating Periodic Limb Movement Disorder?
133
Chapter 11 Restless Legs Syndrome in Children
139

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About the author (2006)

Mark J. Buchfuhrer, MD, is an attending staff physician at Downey Regional Medical Center, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital and Long Beach Community Hospital. Clete A. Kushida, MD, PhD, is the Director of the Stanford University Center for Human Sleep Research and Associate Professor, Stanford University Medical Center.