introduction
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder. It is characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move the legs in an effort to relieve these feelings. The symptoms are worse during rest or inactivity. Sleep is often interrupted by involuntary periodic limb movements (PLM), which are generally considered to be a hallmark of RLS.Researchers believe that RLS is commonly unrecognized or misdiagnosed as insomnia or another neurological, muscular, or orthopedic condition. Despite a high number of people affected by RLS in North America and Europe (5% to 15%), the cause is still not clear. Over-indulgent healthcare systems in affluent parts of the world may be more likely to diagnose RLS, and thereby could account for differences in the number of cases reported.
Hereditary factors contribute significantly to the etiology of RLS and three genetic variants have been found that increase the risk of developing RLS. One variant is located in or near the BTBD9 gene on chromosome 6, another in the Meis1 gene on chromosome 2, and one in the region of the MAP2K5/LBXCOR1 gene on chromosome 15.
The prevalence of RLS is lower in Asia than in North America and Europe and risk variants at all the three RLS loci are also found in lower frequencies in Asian than populations of European descent. The three variants associating with RLS in Europe have not been tested for association with RLS in Asian populations. The lower reported prevalence of RLS in Asia is though most likely a reflection of ethnic differences in frequencies of these risk variants.
The deCODEme Genetic Scan identifies the variants listed above in customers of northern European descent and provides interpretation of their associated risk for the development of RLS. Currently, apart from differences in prevalence of the disorder and frequencies of the variants mentioned above, no data are available for people of Asian or African ethnicities, for the three variants listed above.
risk factors
- Age: Although the symptoms of RLS may begin at any age, the syndrome is more common with increasing age.
- Genetics: Approximately 50% of patients with RLS have a family history of the condition, suggesting that genetics is a major risk factor. People with familial RLS tend to be younger when symptoms start and have a slower progression of the condition.
more information
You can find out more information about RLS by talking with your doctor and visiting these Web sites: MedlinePlus Article on Restless Legs SyndromeNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Sleep Foundation
The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation
WeMove – Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders