Re: RLS or something else?

Posted By Lizzie on July 30, 1999 at 09:15:09
Hi and thanks for listening!
I'm 47 and female, with symptoms that sound similar, but not exactly like RLS. (MRI is normal/Evoked Potentials normal too.  I have a vascular angioma on the right side of my head and have  had classic migraines for 35 years.)
Basically my symptoms are
Buzzing, tingling, twitching, pins/needles and random pains in my legs and back started in early December 1998, random pains in hands, feet, and arms started the beginning of June.
>symptoms occur mostly when at rest-sitting, laying down, sleeping
>symptoms increase in intensity a few hours after exercise.
>continuous waves of buzzing in my back wakes me up at night often these days.
>leg buzzing occurs when I yawn, sneeze, or touch my neck with a cold hand.
>buzzing is very uncomfortable and can last for extended periods of time--2-3 minute buzzing in legs and back every 10-15 minutes for up to two hours in the evening and up to 30 minutes continuous buzzing in back when it wakes me up at night
. Symptoms are more predominant in the late afternoon, evening and night.
Knee and ankle joints get stiff when at rest (sitting or sleeping) and have pain upon beginning to use them again. I literally cannot normally walk down the stairs each morning. I have to depend heavily on the bannister for support.
Left leg (occasionally left arm) gets heavy and achy without cause, making it tiring to walk and making me want to elevate it.
  I have headaches 3-4 days a week now.
Could this be RLS?
My current neurologist can get past the fact that he considers this "not serious." But it is having a significant impact on my life. How might I find a doctor who is more interested in these problems than my current neurologist?
Thanks
Liz

[CCF MD mdf]

Posted By CCF MD mdf on July 30, 1999 at 10:01:30
Some elements of your problem are indeed reminiscent of RLS, which is quite common and less well appreciated by doctors than it should be. However, some of the symptoms you report do not fit, and suggest a search for another problem, either instead of or in addition to RLS.
My suggestion is to get a second opinion. The specialists that know most about RLS are sleep disorders and movement disorders specialists. I tend to recommend the latter. You are welcome to call 800 223-2273 and ask for neurology appointments at 4-5559 if it is feasible for you to visit Cleveland Clinic. Of course, if travel is not practical, a large medical center nearby with an active neurology staff should be helpful.
I hope this helps. CCF MD mdf.











Follow Ups:


RLS or something else? Lizzie 7/30/1999
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Re: RLS or something else? Debbie 8/02/1999
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Re: RLS or something else? CCF MD... 7/30/1999
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