RLS and epilepsy

[Heather-rose]

I’m just wondering is there a link between RLS and epilepsy? My parents had RLS as do I and my siblings. My husband occasionally gets it too. There’s no history of epilepsy in either of our families but our daughter has started having seizures in her early 20’s, she has never drank , smoked or taken drugs. She’s had no head injuries but has suffered migraines since being a child. As RLS is a neurological disorder I’m wondering if there is a link?

[SueJohnson]

Not that I am aware of. There are a number of diseases associated with RLS but epilepsy is not one of them.

[Madlegs1]

I haven't come across any connection.

Good luck.

[Amrob]

As far as I'm aware (and I've read on the subject for a decade now) , no connection exists between the two.

[Eryl]

Yes there is, inflammation of the nerves due to high blood sugar and other causes. One of the standard recommendations for treating epilepsy which does not respond to medication is a ketogenic (very low carb) diet (google 'epilepsy ketogenic' to check). I have eliminated my RLS by avoiding processed food which is high in refined carbs and refined seed oils.

[Elouis]

I've been being treated for RLS by a consultant who is an epilepsy specialist. My gut feeling is that he sees my condition akin to epilepsy, but has never come out with his opinion. I have avoided questioning his judgement to date.

[DicCarlson]

The connection is principally the treatments...

"Anti-seizure drugs—Anti-seizure drugs are the first-line prescription drugs for those with RLS. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved gabapentin enacarbil for the treatment of moderate to severe RLS. Other anti-seizure drugs such as pregabalin can decrease such sensory disturbances and nerve pain."

An important video from Dr. Chris Palmer regarding diet, epilepsy, and mental health - absolutely fascinating! Watch a little, use the timestamps in the description to search.

youtube.com/watch?v=xjEFo3a...(Not working as expected?)