Maja Stupar1. 1. Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada. mstupar@uhnresearch.ca
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnostic features of a patient who presented to a chiropractor with restless legs syndrome (RLS), a common but often under-diagnosed condition. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 42-year-old male patient presented with twitching and deep pressure in the legs bilaterally; described also as an uncomfortable urge to move the legs that followed a circadian rhythm occurring in the evening. The symptoms were initiated after periods of rest and they were relieved by movement. Physical examination was non-contributory which is common in RLS except in secondary forms of the condition. DISCUSSION: The pathophysiology of RLS is still unknown but several treatments have been studied. Non-pharmacologic treatment options include education on improving sleep hygiene, decreasing alcohol and caffeine intake, moderate exercise and supplements. Pharmacological treatment options are available, with L-dopa being the most effective. CONCLUSION: The symptoms of RLS were 65% resolved in the case presented in one month. Awareness and proper diagnosis by all primary contact practitioners is necessary for effective management of RLS.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnostic features of a patient who presented to a chiropractor with restless legs syndrome (RLS), a common but often under-diagnosed condition. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 42-year-old male patient presented with twitching and deep pressure in the legs bilaterally; described also as an uncomfortable urge to move the legs that followed a circadian rhythm occurring in the evening. The symptoms were initiated after periods of rest and they were relieved by movement. Physical examination was non-contributory which is common in RLS except in secondary forms of the condition. DISCUSSION: The pathophysiology of RLS is still unknown but several treatments have been studied. Non-pharmacologic treatment options include education on improving sleep hygiene, decreasing alcohol and caffeine intake, moderate exercise and supplements. Pharmacological treatment options are available, with L-dopa being the most effective. CONCLUSION: The symptoms of RLS were 65% resolved in the case presented in one month. Awareness and proper diagnosis by all primary contact practitioners is necessary for effective management of RLS.
Entities:
Keywords:
chiropractic; primary contact; restless leg
Authors: Virginia E Pearson; Richard P Allen; Terry Dean; Charlene E Gamaldo; Suzanne R Lesage; Christopher J Earley Journal: Sleep Med Date: 2005-09-28 Impact factor: 3.492
Authors: Michael H Silber; Bruce L Ehrenberg; Richard P Allen; Mark J Buchfuhrer; Christopher J Earley; Wayne A Hening; David B Rye Journal: Mayo Clin Proc Date: 2004-07 Impact factor: 7.616