Restless legs syndrome in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Aims: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating neurodegenerative inflammatory autoimmune disease. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized as a strong urge to move the legs to stop abnormal sensations there. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether or not the increased RLS frequency seen in MS could be associated with depression and fatigue.

Methods: The study involved 98 patients with definite MS and 129 healthy volunteers. The Beck Depression Inventory and Fatigue Severity Scale were used to assess all participants. The patients and the healthy volunteers were examined for RLS according to the criteria of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group.

Results: When the factors related to RLS in MS were evaluated, there were significant relationships found among age, type of MS, pyramidal symptoms, intestinal and bladder symptoms, number of lesions in MR, depression, and fatigue. Risk factors for RLS were also seen more frequently in the MS group than in the healthy volunteers.

Conclusion: RLS was seen 2.55 times more frequently in patients with MS than in the control group. This was due to the existence of numerous factors rather than a single factor - including depression and fatigue.