Pathophysiological basis and conditions thought to be associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS)
| Idiopathic RLS: | ||
| RLS+PLM | Central dopaminergic dysfunction: | Presynaptic (caudate+putamen) |
| Postsynaptic (D2) | ||
| Cerebellar and thalamic activation | ||
| RLS+SLD+PLM | Diencephalodopaminergic dysfunction | |
| Red nucleus activation | ||
| PLM+RLS | Spinal origin | Facilitation of spinal flexor reflexes |
| RLS | Metabolic | Low brain iron content |
| Familial | Genetic form | Positive family history |
| Secondary RLS: | ||
| Renal failure and uraemia | ||
| Iron deficiency anaemia | ||
| Vitamin B12 deficiency | ||
| Hypothyroidism | ||
| Rheumatoid arthritis | ||
| Sjogren's syndrome | ||
| Diabetes mellitus | ||
| Movement disorders: | Parkinsonism | Disease related |
| Dyskinesia related | ||
| Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome | ||
| Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | ||
| Mood related: | Depression | |
| Antidepressant related | ||
| Peripheral neuropathy: | Sensory polyneuropathy | |
| Hereditary motor sensory neuropathy (CMT 2) | ||
| Pregnancy | ||