restless leg syndrome

[paschatali]

My daughter is 46 years old.  In the past 1 plus years she has had radical restless legs.  A few months ago she started having the jerking in her arms also.  She has been taking carbidopa/levadopa and had probably increased the amount she takes as she seems to have the leg and arm continuously.  At the onset, she is suffering a lot of pain and discomfort.  She is wondering if the arm problem has started because of the carbidopa.  She has had to sleep on the floor because of her discomfort.  Soma seems to relax her a bit.

I guess my question is this.  Is this all connected, arms and legs, or is it a symptom of something else.

[gammy59]

hello there, I have had RLS for 5 years now, 2 years ago I sprained my neck and was given Tramadol,it helped my neck but also took away that nasty sensation in my legs my doc has kept me on it since. I had tried everything and this is the only thing that worked for me besides warm baths,
good luck to your daughter.
Karim

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Wittmaack-Ekbom's syndrome, is a condition that is characterized by an irresistible urge to move one's body to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations.

You have to understand that it most commonly affects the legs, but can also affect the arms or torso. Moving the affected body part modulates the sensations, providing temporary relief.

For treatment: Dopamine agonists such as ropinirole, pramipexole, carbidopa/levodopa or pergolide are used and you have to monitor these drugs.

There are some issues with the use of dopamine agonists. There are conditions where the drug itself causes symptoms to increase in severity and/or occur earlier in the day. Monitoring the adverse effects of the drug and titrating a proper dosage is important for your daughter.

Take care!