Restless Legs? The Nighttime Syndrome Is Genetic
By Amy Norton
NEW YORK, November 22, 2000 (Reuters Health) - The risk of developing
the movement disorder restless leg syndrome (RLS) depends in large part
on genetics, a study of twins confirms.
A chronic, sleep-related disorder, RLS causes uncomfortable sensations
in the legs that worsen when a person is inactive, such as during sleep.
It is known that a family history of RLS significantly increases the
risk of developing the disorder, but the relative importance of genes
has been unclear.
In the November issue of Neurology, researchers report results of a twin
study that suggest genes are critical in RLS risk. Among 12 pairs of
twins in which at least one had RLS symptoms, investigators found that
in 10 pairs, both twins had RLS. All 10 pairs also had family members
with the disorder.
This suggests RLS has a ``very strong'' genetic component, according to
lead author Dr. William G. Ondo of the Baylor College of Medicine in
Houston, Texas.
Ondo told Reuters Health that actually finding the gene or genes that
underlie RLS would have a significant impact on treatment.
First, "he said, "we would have an objective test for the condition."
More importantly, according to Ondo, understanding the genetics of RLS
may eventually lead to a cure.
RLS is estimated to affect about 12 million Americans. The risk
increases with age, but the disorder can strike at any age.
SOURCE: Neurology 2000;55:1404-1406.
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