Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome: Understanding and Alleviating Restless Legs

Restless Legs Syndrome is considered one of the most common causes of restless legs and sleep disorders. Many sufferers experience a strong urge to move their legs in the evening or at night, often accompanied by unpleasant tingling or pulling sensations. These discomforts can significantly affect the quality of life, as they disrupt sleep and cause persistent fatigue. At the Neurozentrum Filderstadt, we offer specialized therapy tailored to the individual needs of our patients. Our goal is to provide sustainable treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome, so that you can find peace at night and have energy for your everyday life during the day.

Through modern diagnostics and targeted therapy approaches, the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome can often be significantly reduced. Those who suffer from persistent restlessness in their legs should contact a specialized center early on. The Neurozentrum Filderstadt combines sound expert knowledge with a human and patient-oriented approach. We value comprehensive treatment that not only focuses on the symptoms but also considers individual living circumstances.

Causes and symptoms

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder in which disturbances of messenger substances, especially dopamine, occur in the central nervous system. Several factors are likely to play a role: A hereditary predisposition, as well as a disturbed iron metabolism or accompanying diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease, can contribute to the onset of RLS. Typically, the symptoms occur especially at rest and in the evening or night hours. Those affected suffer from unpleasant sensations in the legs that can only be relieved by movement.

If left untreated, Restless Legs Syndrome often leads to chronic sleep problems and resulting daytime fatigue, which can massively impair everyday life. At the Neurozentrum Filderstadt, we therefore carefully determine which causes may underlie your RLS. We then develop a customized therapy together with you so that you can benefit from effective treatment in the long term.

Diagnostic procedures

An exact diagnosis of Restless Legs Syndrome is the key to successful treatment. At the Neurozentrum Filderstadt, we begin with a detailed anamnesis to record your medical history, family predispositions, and other relevant aspects. This is followed by neurological examinations in which we test, for example, reflexes, muscle strength, and coordination.

In addition, blood tests can provide information about possible iron deficiencies, which can play a significant role in Restless Legs Syndrome. In some cases, further diagnostic steps are useful, such as a sleep laboratory, to assess the quality of sleep more precisely. Based on these findings, we can accurately assess your condition and initiate targeted therapy.

Therapy options (medication & non-medication)

The treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome often consists of several building blocks. For mild forms, simple measures can already help, such as moderate exercise, warm baths, or stretching exercises before going to bed. A balanced diet and the correction of a possible iron deficiency are further steps that can alleviate RLS.

In addition to these non-drug options, various active ingredients are available that regulate dopamine metabolism and thus reduce the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome. In close consultation with you, the Neurozentrum Filderstadt selects the appropriate drug therapy to keep side effects as low as possible. Depending on the severity and personal situation, pain-relieving agents or special sleeping pills are also used, which contribute to a holistic treatment.