Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and ADHD

Posted on abril 28, 2014 Actualizado enn abril 30, 2014

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

affects 1,5 million children and adolescents. Often begins during childhood or adolescence and can result in poor intellectual and/or emotional function. Although symptoms are worse at night, it is possible to experience it throughout daytime.

CAUSES

• Genetics: Autosomal – dominant hereditary pattern
• Chromosomes genetic loci 9p, 12q, and 14q.
• Dopamine abnormality.
• Iron deficiency: low serum ferritin levels.

SIGNS

• Fidgeting or stretching legs in bed.
• Hyperactivity in class.
• Sleep deprivation and irritability in the morning.

PERIODIC LIMB MOVEMENTS DURING SLEEP

• Brief jerks (0,5 seconds) of the limbs during sleep in 20 second intervals.
• Present in 80% of individuals with RLS.

FAMILY HISTORY

• Biological parents with RLS have 50:50 chance of passing RLS to their children.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

• Mild degree of iron deficiency.

WHAT CAN I DO?

TREATMENT

• Good Sleep Habits: Sleep needed per age:

Age 2: 12 hours
Age 5: 11 hours
Age 10: 10 hours
Adolescence: 9 hours
Adulthood: 7 hours

• Teens

Avoid caffeine intake in the evening.
Regular exercise.
Bedroom without TV, computers, etc.

• Iron supplementation and pharmacological treatment.

DIAGNOSE

• Polysomnography

RELATIONSHIP WITH ADHD

• RLS can aggravate inattention
• Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function and memory.
• Can exist a subgroup of ADHD having RLS.
• Methylphenidate does not worsen SLP.

References

Ruottinen, H. M., Partinen, M., Hublin, C., Bergman, J., Haaparanta, M., Solin, O., & Rinne, J. O. (2000). An FDOPA PET study in patients with periodic limb movement disorder and restless legs syndrome. Neurology, 54(2), 502-502. doi:10.1212/WNL.54.2.502

Turjanski, N., Lees, A. J., & Brooks, D. J. (1999). Striatal dopaminergic function in restless legs syndrome: 18F-dopa and 11C-raclopride PET studies. Neurology, 52(5), 932-932. doi:10.1212/WNL.52.5.932

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