Restless legs syndrome, susceptibility to, 4

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs. The movement is triggered by strange or uncomfortable feelings, which occur mostly while the affected person is sitting or lying down and are worse at night. Movement (i.e. kicking, stretching, rubbing, or pacing) makes the discomfort go away, at least temporarily. Many people with restless legs syndrome also have uncontrollable, repetitive leg movements that occur while they are sleeping or while relaxed or drowsy. Researchers have described early-onset and late-onset forms of restless legs syndrome. The early-onset form begins before age 45 and progresses slowly. The late-onset form begins after age 45, and its signs and symptoms tend to worsen more rapidly. RLS likely results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, many of which are unknown. The syndrome may also be classified in several types (RLS1, RLS2, RLS3, RLS4, RLS5, RLS6, RLS7) according to the location in specific chromosomes of some of the genes that are associated with an increased risk (susceptibility) to have the syndrome. Treatment is based on the signs and symptoms present in each person.