Restless Leg Syndrome, also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is the common name for the neurological disorder associated with uncontrollable, uncomfortable and odd sensations that commonly occurs in the legs. However, the “tickling” sensations that other patients describe as painful and itchy could also affect the torso and arms, back and neck that patients dubbed it as Restless Body Syndrome.
A person with this kind of disorder feels an unpleasant itch or tickle in his muscles. Commonly, the sensation is felt when the body is relaxed such as when a person is trying to sleep, reading and resting. Patients also experience the uncontrollable jerking of their legs when asleep. Some patients report that the experience “internal shaking” comes on and off.
Other patients dealing with the disorder also complain that they still have the strong urge to move their body even if they have little or no sensation at all. The urge to move the arms and legs or even dance sometimes catches them off-guard which is a very awkward situation when a person is in the grocery store or at the workplace.
Those who deal with this disorder also undergo fatigue, anxious moods, depression, insomnia, balance problems and sexual dysfunction among others. As such, the effects of the syndrome could range from minor annoyance to major impairments in a person’s lifestyles and routines. His quality of sleep, for example, can also be at stake.
Patients find relief when moving their body or stretching their arms and legs. Constant movement seem to ease the unpleasant sensation in the muscles.
Treatments to restless body disorder include the proper identification of its root cause – whether it is due to drug withdrawal like opiates, or if it is genetically acquired by the patient. These treatments are given in order to reduce the intensity of the symptoms. Aside from pharmacotherapy or the use of drugs to lessen the intensity of the symptoms, patients are also advised to adopt some relaxation techniques such as taking a shower, or massaging the legs and other affected body parts.
This kind of disorder affects both young and old. Although there is no existing specific test to diagnose whether a person is indeed suffering from restless body syndrome, there are examinations conducted to eliminate other possible reasons like vitamin deficiency in the patient. In every case, a definitive diagnosis or examination is also needed to rule out other possibilities like vascular and hormonal issues, or other physiological problems that might cause the symptom.