RLS and Meningitis

[sjw_1978]

Just curious whether any fellow RLS sufferers had meningitis earlier in their lives?

[Hidden]

Judging by your lack of replies, I guess the answers no!

I've never had meningitis, but I assume that you have and you're wondering if it caused your RLS.

I can only say that it might be possible, remotely, but I've never heard of it and there doesn't seem to be any logical connection.

The most commonly accepted explanations of "idiopathic" or primary RLS, (I.e. RLS without any other underlying condition) are Brain Iron Deficiency, dopamine receptor site dysfunction and/or oversensitive motor nerves.

Pragmatically, in your case, it might be an advantage that this explains your RLS since it means it's easier, in some ways, to treat it. Meningitis, however causes physical damage and isn't as amenable to treatment.

[IrisRN]

Not me

[RSL-RIP]

No. But also wondered if people here have any common history- eg pre-eclampsia in their mother; head injuries.

[MumofSam]

No to all the aforementioned conditions. I’ve had RLS since birth - leastways I know I was suffering from it before I could even walk.

[Krickets]

I did have viral meningitis when I was in 5 th grade . We lived in Arkansas at the time ,