$Unique_ID{BRK00682}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Leg Jerks at Night}
$Subject{restless legs sleep leg jerks}
$Volume{N-18}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Leg Jerks at Night


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QUESTION:  My husband suffers from leg jerks at night when he is trying to
sleep.  Not only is his sleep disturbed, but mine as well.  It is becoming a
real problem, and we hope you can offer us some help and suggestions to stop
this and allow us both to get some much needed rest.

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ANSWER:  There are many causes for such a "restless leg syndrome", and it may
take a bit of investigation to sort out the different causes that are
possible, and use the proper medication or treatment to bring this sleep
disrupting problem to an end.  In certain individuals, myoclonic jerks, or
spastic contraction of leg muscles can occur several times in a night, each
attack lasting anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.  When this breaks the sleep of
the patient or partner, a prescription for oral clonazepam (Klonopin), used
three times a day, can be used over a trial period to assess its actions.  If,
however these involuntary movements are the result of a neuropathy or nerve
problem caused by certain medications or disease, a careful history may reveal
the precipitating cause, which must be removed or treated.  Patients with this
type of restless legs often complain that there are achy or crawling
sensations beneath the skin, and they must get up to walk about to get some
relief.  This condition may go for years without becoming worse, and, when
all other actions have failed to yield results, treatment with carbamazine
(Tegretol) may offer the hope of some relief.  Restless legs are also part of
the Wittmaak-Ekbon Syndrome also know as Anxietas Tibialis.  While the
symptoms and complaints are much the same as above, creeping or crawling
sensation in the legs without real pain, an examination may reveal that the
the legs and feet are cooler than normal.  Blood examination may show a low
hemoglobin or serum iron.  Correcting the iron deficiency and the anemia often
leads to the disappearance of the condition and the relief of the symptoms.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
