Choose Location

We provide care in three easily-accessible locations across the Rio Grande Valley.

Weslaco

1604 East 8th St., Suite A
Weslaco, TX
Phone: (956) 447-5557

McAllen

5300 North McColl Rd., Suite 100
McAllen, TX
Phone: (956) 630-1000

Mission

1022 E. Griffin Pkwy.
Mission, TX 78572
Phone: (956) 833-6000

Sleep

Restless Legs Syndrome Disorders

Although the legs are most prominently affected, “restless legs” is a misnomer in that 20-50% of afflicted individuals describe similar sensations in their arms. Nearly half of adult patients describe their sensations as painful. Most individuals afflicted with RLS will manifest varying degrees/severities of Periodic Leg/Limb Movements during sleep (PLMs), but not vice-versa (i.e., Only a relatively small percentage of individuals manifesting PLMs in their overnight recordings will voice complaints suggestive of RLS).

Prevalence is twice as high in women than in men. Most research indicates that prevalence increases with age up to 60-70 years, except in Asian populations, wherein an age-associated increase has not been found.

RLS sensations are worse at rest, decrease or are relieved with movement, and predominantly occur in the evening or at night. Increased rates of RLS are found among individuals diagnosed as afflicted with a broad range of disorders, a partial list of which includes Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), narcolepsy, Parkinson’s Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, diabetes mellitus, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, obesity, thyroid disease, heart disease, migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and peripheral neuropathy. A host of prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause or worsen RLS.

Clinically, “significant” RLS is defined by RLS symptoms causing substantial distress, sleep disturbance, or impairment in one or more aspects of daytime function/performance.

How Do You Know If You Have Restless Legs Syndrome?

In order to diagnose you with restless legs syndrome, your doctor will look at your symptoms and potentially complete blood work. In addition, you may require a sleep study at one of our two accredited centers. Here we will monitor aspects of your sleep and analyze the results to confirm a diagnosis and get you on the path toward effective treatment.

Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment

Although the specific causes of RLS remain the subject of continuing worldwide research, many effective treatments are now available that can bring about much-needed relief. Our Center Sleep Specialists are well-trained in the diagnosis of RLS and the associated Periodic Limb/Leg Movement Disorder and in the provision of treatments that mitigate the disagreeable sensations (and leg/limb movements) that often hinder a restful night of sleep.

These treatments may include addressing an underlying iron deficiency or certain lifestyle changes. If these approaches do not work, you may also be put on medications to increase dopamine in the brain, help your muscles relax, and otherwise bring relief to your RLS symptoms.

Resources

You may find additional helpful health information at one of these websites: