Causes and Risk Factors
In
the majority of cases, it is very
difficult to determine the exact
cause of restless legs syndrome.
According to researchers, the condition
may be a repercussion of an imbalance
of dopamine, which is a brain chemical
responsible for transmitting messages
to control muscle movement.
RLS often
runs in families, but in some
cases there may be underlying
medical conditions that may lead
to RLS. Some of the medical conditions
that are linked with RLS are peripheral
neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis,
diabetes, and kidney failure.
Some medications, such as anti-nausea
drugs, antihistamines, lithium,
anticonvulsants, antidepressants,
beta-blockers, and antipsychotic
drugs can aggravate RLS in people
who have it or develop it as a
side effect. Stress, pregnancy,
and hormonal changes can also
aggravate the symptoms of RLS.
Additionally, deficiencies of
iron, vitamin B 12, and folic
acid are also associated with
RLS. |
