MONDAY, Oct. 25, 2004 (HealthDayNews) -- Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is probably caused by iron-deficient brain cells that trigger the central nervous system to send confusing signals to the arms and legs, according to research by Penn State College of Medicine scientists.
"Our previous studies established a physical cause for RLS showing certain cells in the brain were iron-deficient. We have now found a sequence of events that may connect that cellular iron deficiency to the uncontrollable movements of the disorder," James R. Connor, a professor and vice chairman for neurosurgery, said in a prepared statement.
In studies with rats and human brain tissue, Connor and his team concluded that a lack of iron results in problems with production of dopamine, a chemical that transmits messages from the brain and central nervous system to the body.
The research was presented Oct. 25 at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in San Francisco.
"Our next steps are to continue investigations of treatment strategies for RLS involving iron supplementation and dopamine agents to attempt to reach for normal balance between iron and dopamine in the brain," Connor said.
RLS affects between 5 percent and 10 percent of people in the United States. It's characterized by irresistible urges to move the legs and arms. This is often accompanied by creepy-crawly sensations in the limbs. These sensations, which are relieved only by movement, become worse at night and cause sleeplessness for people with RLS.
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has more about restless legs syndrome.
