Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-023-00576-4 · Published: April 25, 2023
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncomfortable sensation in the legs and an urge to move them. RLS can either result from primary (idiopathic) or secondary causes, such as iron deficiency, pregnancy, peripheral neuropathy, and others. Due to the complexities in diagnosing RLS in patients with SCI, it is important to be cognizant of symptoms and to consider this diagnosis to initiate the appropriate work-up for an etiology, of which iron deficiency anemia is common.
Clinicians should be aware of RLS as a potential comorbidity in SCI patients, even years after the initial injury.
When RLS is suspected, a thorough workup should be initiated to identify underlying causes, such as iron deficiency anemia.
Treatment with dopaminergic agents like pramipexole, combined with addressing underlying etiologies such as iron deficiency, can effectively manage RLS symptoms in SCI patients.