What part of the brain is responsible for restless leg syndrome?

The brain scans revealed that people with restless legs syndrome had an average of 7.5 percent less tissue thickness in the somatosensory cortex. This is the area of the brain that processes sensations such as touch, pain, movement, position and temperature.

What nerve causes restless leg syndrome?

The main cause of RLS is unknown. Scientists are researching nervous system problems that may arise in either the spinal cord or the brain. One theory suggests that low levels of the brain chemical dopamine cause RLS. RLS may often have a genetic basis, particularly in those who develop it before age 40.

Is Restless Leg Syndrome a brain disorder?

RLS is both a sleep and a neurological sensory disorder. Treatment is directed toward symptom relief.

What really causes restless leg syndrome?

Often, there’s no known cause for RLS . Researchers suspect the condition may be caused by an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine, which sends messages to control muscle movement.

What causes restlessness in the brain?

It’s pretty common to feel unsettled if you have hormone problems or a psychological condition like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or dementia. Rarely, it may be caused by a brain tumor. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor if you get agitated, especially if you feel like it’s for no reason.

Can brain injury cause RLS?

Management of restless leg syndrome associated with traumatic brain injury is the same as restless leg syndrome in general population.

How does dopamine affect restless leg syndrome?

If nerve cells become damaged, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced, which causes muscle spasms and involuntary movements. Dopamine levels naturally fall towards the end of the day, which may explain why the symptoms of restless legs syndrome are often worse in the evening and during the night.

What are neurological disorders?

Neurological disorders are medically defined as disorders that affect the brain as well as the nerves found throughout the human body and the spinal cord. Structural, biochemical or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord or other nerves can result in a range of symptoms.

Is restless legs an autoimmune disorder?

A condition that causes an unpleasant or uncomfortable sensation in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. Restless leg syndrome is a symptom of several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Can anxiety cause restless leg syndrome?

Stress and anxiety. Rachel Salas, MD, an assistant professor of neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, says that stress and anxiety are big restless legs triggers. Stress reduction techniques like deep breathing or yoga may help.

Does low serotonin cause restless legs?

Background: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been associated with the risk of restless legs syndrome (RLS), suggesting that dysregulation of serotonergic neurotransmission may provoke or exacerbate RLS.