A+ a-
Stay Connected Research News Discussion Forum Advocacy and Support Organizations Patient Meeting Calendar Movement Disorder Glossary Movement Disorders Virtual University Linkage Library
WE MOVE

Make a Donation
Ataxia
Bradykinesia
Choreoathetosis
Corticobasal Degeneration
Dyskinesias (Paroxysmal)
Dystonia
Essential Tremor
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Huntington's Disease
Multiple System Atrophy
Myoclonus
Parkinson's Disease
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Restless Legs Syndrome
Rett Syndrome
Spasticity
Sydenham's Chorea
Tardive Dyskinesia
Tics
Tourette's Syndrome
Tremor
Wilson Disease
 

Some RLS Facts

  • Thomas Willis first described RLS in 1685.
  • RLS is sometimes referred to as "Ekbom's syndrome" after the researcher K.A. Ekbom, who coined the term "restless legs" in 1945.
  • In a large survey of people with RLS (The "Night Walkers Survey"), more than 50% of the respondents reported one or more first-degree relatives affected by the disease.
  • More than 60% experience progressive symptoms.
  • Less than 15% experience remission.
  • Although symptoms may wax and wane, RLS is usually chronic.
  • As the disease progresses, there is an increased likelihood that RLS may involve the arms as well as other parts of the body.
  • Most people with RLS have mild but very annoying symptoms, usually disturbing their sleep.