IS RLS really one thing? Or several different conditions brought under the RLS umbrella?

[Mattly]

I've wondered for a while whether RLS is a single condition, or if maybe the people in our group have a range of unrelated conditions but RLS seems to be the "best fit" term that "sort of" covers their condition and that the same medications may help most of these nerve related conditions.

The one thing that seems common to everyone is that moving the limbs can help - or at least "mask" the problem, and more specifically, those movements are voluntary, or at least semi voluntary - totally uncontrolled limb movements and jerks imply different disorders such as PLMD (Periodic Limb Movement Disorder).

But aside from that, you hear a wide range of symptoms that make me wonder... For example, while I have been diagnosed with RLS, its not just my leg, it involves my trunk and arms, and at its worst my head. And (almost) exclusively on the right hand side only. I don't get "tingling" under the skin, or an "antsy" feeling as you sometimes see described - my skin and "conventional" nerve receptors play no role in my RLS. What I experience can come on suddenly - almost like an electronic "buzz" - that I feel throughout the right hand side of my body. And from that point on I get uncomfortable sensations in my legs, body and head - even my jaw and brain - that I can't - even after years of trying - describe in words. The discomfort is not entirely "physical" but almost in some twilight zone between physical and mental. I'd much rather have conventional pain than this! (Within reason of course).

Does anyone recognise what I'm (very poorly) trying to describe? Or is your RLS completely different, and therefore, possibly, a different condition altogether?

[Madlegs1]

You've picked on an interesting point, Matty.First off, RLS is a "Syndrome" - a collection of symptoms. 5 to be exact. You can read all about them somewhere on this page.

It can also be indicative of a number of other ailments - either first stages or otherwise. MS, Diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy all come to mind.

It may ( indeed is) caused by a number of factors. Insufficient brain iron, Dopamine issues, food and medication reactions/ sensitivities and so on.

I'm sure others will come in on this discussion.

Good to bring it up.👍

[Rwall]

I seem to have some of the characteristics you describe! My Neurologist, an RLS "expert" in the Atlanta area was shocked that I did not have the jerking leg movements, to which I replied, "I told you I didn't, so why are you surprised." I don't think he believed me when I described the buzzing all over my body, sometimes twitching and tingling, but all inside the body, not outside! I am pretty sure mine was triggered by trying a multitude of statins, all of which I had horrible reactions to . No matter what they call it, it's still a condition that can have a severe toll on your body and never seems to ever completely go away.

I have found that sugar and vinegar based sauces and foods give me the immediate, full blown reaction, but the buzzing is ever present, just varying in intensity, depending a lot on food and drink and lying down.

Thank God for this group! Having a place to hear other peoples stories and what works for some has been a life saver for me, and I appreciate all of you more than I can say.

[bill54321]

I believe many have Myoclonic movement disorders that have been falsely labled RLS or PLMD. Google for your information.