Message from MS Specialist Dr. Milo:

I came across a new study and I thought to share it with you all. 

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is frequently described as extensive discomfort in the lower limbs, followed by an overwhelming urge to move the legs. It may impact sleep and, subsequently, fatigue, disease severity, flare-ups, and quality of life.

Researchers from Vienna assessed the impact of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) on RLS and compared the prevalence of RLS in MS patients to people without this disease.

117 MS patients and 118 controls participated in the study. The study results recently published in the Multiple Sclerosis & Related Disorders journal indicated that about a quarter of MS patients suffered from RLS, about 7 times higher than in the control group.  The study showed that suffering from RLS can impact sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and quality of life. RLS risk increases with spinal lesions and physical disability but is independent of DMT.

If you have any related questions- please ask in a new post within the group, and I’ll be happy to answer.

Yours,
Dr. Ron Milo

For more information: https://www.msard-journal.com/article/S2211-0348(21)00183-8/fulltext

The following tips may help to provide immediate relief from RLS symptoms, although such relief may only be temporary: moving the legs by walking around the house, or engaging in other forms of physical activity. performing gentle calf stretches. gently rubbing or massaging the legs.