Have you everParentsHave you noticed your toddler frequently moving his legs for no reason? Is this symptom accompanied by other conditions, such as difficulty sleeping? If so, there’s a possibility your child hasParentsexperiencing restless leg syndrome orrestless leg syndrome(RLS).
What is restless legs syndrome? Check out the following review!
Understanding Restless Leg Syndrome
Source: xFrame
Restless leg syndrome orrestless leg syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a nervous system condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs.
Restless leg syndromecauses an unpleasant or uncomfortable sensation in the legs, prompting a person to keep moving their legs.
Symptoms of this syndrome generally occur in the afternoon or evening, and are often worst at night when a person is resting, such as sitting or lying in bed.
This syndrome can also occur when a person sits for a long time.
This condition is also classified as a sleep disorder because its symptoms are triggered by rest and attempts to sleep, which generally make it difficult for sufferers to fall asleep or return to sleep after waking.
Besides that,restless leg syndromealso includes body movement disorders (movement disorder) because sufferers are forced to move their legs to relieve the symptoms and neurological sensory disturbances because the symptoms are generated from within the brain.
If these movements occur during sleep, they are called periodic leg movements of sleep (Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep/PLMS).
Meanwhile, when the movement occurs when a person is awake or awake, it is called periodic awake leg movement (Periodic Limb Movements of Wakefulness/PLMW).
Restless legs syndrome and PLMS can affect the quality and quantity of sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and sleepiness. This can affect a child’s mood and concentration .
Quoting from the official website of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke , many sufferersrestless leg syndromewho reported that they often could not concentrate, had memory problems, or failed to complete daily tasks because of the symptoms of the syndrome that they experienced throughout the day.
In fact,restless leg syndromein moderate to severe levels that are not treated can cause a decrease in work productivity of around 20 percent and can lead to depression and anxiety.
Symptom
Source: Freepik
Children who suffer from restless legs syndrome will feel an irresistible urge to move, accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in the lower legs that are unlike the normal sensations experienced by ordinary people.
Sensations in the feet are often difficult to define, but can be described as a feeling or sensation of:
- Sick
- Painful
- Stings
- Pulsating
- Interested
- Itchy
- There is something walking or crawling on your feet
This sensation can occur on just one side, but most often affects both sides (left and right). The discomfort can also alternate between sides.
Moving the legs (or other affected body parts) can relieve the discomfort felt, so children with this syndrome often move their legs to minimize or prevent these sensations.
Reason
Source: Freepik
In most cases, there is no clear cause of restless legs syndrome in toddlers. However, there are several theories about the cause of this condition in children, such as:
1. Dopamine
Some neurologists believe that the symptoms of restless legs syndrome may have something to do with how the body handles a chemical called dopamine.
In the body, dopamine is a compound involved in controlling muscle movement and may be responsible for the involuntary leg movements associated with restless legs syndrome.
2. Certain Medical Conditions
In some cases,restless leg syndromecaused by certain diseases that have previously or have attacked the body, namely as follows:
- Iron Deficiency
Even without anemia, iron deficiency can cause or worsen this syndrome.
- Kidney Failure:
If a child has kidney failure, they may also experience iron deficiency, often accompanied by anemia. When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, iron stores in the blood can decrease. This and other changes in body chemistry can cause or worsen restless legs syndrome.
If restless legs syndrome is caused by a certain disease, it is called secondary restless legs syndrome (secondary restless legs syndrome)
3. Hereditary Factors
According to research,restless leg syndromegenetic, meaning it can be passed down through the family.
Approximately 40-90% of individuals affected by this syndrome report having at least one affected relative, such as a parent or sibling and other family members who also experience the same condition.
Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnosis
Source: Freepik
Because there is no specific test for RLS, this condition must be diagnosed by a doctor’s evaluation.
Diagnosing restless legs syndrome in children can be very difficult, because children are still unable to describe what they are experiencing, when and how often the symptoms appear, and how long the symptoms last.
Therefore, doctors can sometimes misdiagnose it as one of the symptoms of growth (growing pains) or attention deficit disorder (attention deficit disorder) and rarely receive intervention. However, this should be taken with caution.
How to Treat/Treat Restless Leg Syndrome
Source: Freepik
Restless legs syndrome is generally a lifelong condition with no cure. However, there are several therapies that can control the disorder, minimize symptoms, and increase periods of restful sleep, including:
1. Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle changes and activities can relieve mild to moderate symptoms.
In toddlers or children,ParentsYou can relieve symptoms by massaging your feet, taking a warm bath, or using a heating pad or ice pack.
Also encourage your child to exercise regularly. Research shows that regular, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and leg stretches can also relieve mild symptoms.
2. Iron Supplementation
If a person with this syndrome also experiences iron deficiency, the first treatment is to provide iron.
Either in the form of supplements or given intravenously to increase iron levels and relieve symptoms.
Restless legs syndrome can affect anyone, including toddlers. IfParentsIf you suspect your child is showing symptoms of the syndrome, consult a doctor immediately.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
