Iron deficiency and chronic inflammation are thought to be contributing factors.
The article describes the causes and triggers of restless legs syndrome in people with MS. What makes RLS unusual in people with MS is that it tends to improve with movement.
What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome With MS?
Verywell / Gary Ferster
Multiple sclerosis is anautoimmunedemyelinatingdisease.
When this happens, nerve cells can “misfire” and disrupt normal nerve signaling to the brain.
Whenperipheral nervesemerging from the spinal cord are affected, it can cause abnormal sensations like burning and tingling calledneuropathy.
But when it happens withcentral nervesof the brain and spinal cord, it can trigger abnormal movements and sensations.
This is especially true when multiple spinal cord lesions are found.
How Restless Leg Syndrome Differs With MS
Restless legs syndrome manifests differently in people with MS.
Symptoms occur day and night whether lying or sitting.
Symptoms do not improve with movement.
Leg movements are induced by uncomfortable leg sensations.
Symptoms are worse at night or when sitting or lying for a long time.
Symptoms improve with movement.
These include:
How Is Restless Legs Syndrome Treated or Managed?
Restless legs syndrome can be challenging to treat because certain treatments work for some people but not for others.
Even so, there are several home remedies and medical treatments you might consider if RLS is causing distress.
They may be able to prescribe drugs that can ease RLS.
Some of these may help with other MS symptoms, such as dysesthesia.
RLS occurs six times more frequently in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) than those without.
It is thought to be due to MS lesions that develop on the spinal cord.
Iron deficiency and chronic inflammation may also contribute.
2020;29(3).
Klingelhoefer L, Bhattacharya K, Reichmann H.Restless legs syndrome.Clin Med.
2016;16(4):379-382. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.16-4-379
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Spasticity and multiple sclerosis.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Numbness or tingling.
Ondo WG.Clinical features and diagnosis of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults.
Schurks M, Bussfeld P.Multiple sclerosis and restless legs syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Eur J Neurol.
2012;20(4):605-15. doi:10.1111/j.1468-1331.2012.03873.x
