Secondary restless legs syndrome

Abstract

This paper reviewed the latest findings related to secondary restless legs syndrome (RLS) systematically. There were a variety of causes. Renal failure, injury of spinal cord and peripheral nerve were related risk factors. During pregnancy, the levels of folic acid and iron diminished and many hormone levels underwent significant changes, which might also be predisposing factors for RLS. The underlying dopamine dysfunction might affect Pakinson's disease (PD) patients with RLS symptoms. In addition, there were some evidences which would illustrate some drugs (mainly antidepressants, antipsychotics, histamine receptor antagonist), smoking, caffeine, alcohol and migraine might be associated with the prevalence of RLS, or even the severity of the disease. Clinicians should pay more attention to early diagnosis and treatment plan to improve the quality of life of these patients.