FW: [discussion] Restless Leg Syndrome
Weissman, Peter (PWeissman(AT)Richter.ca)
Tue, 2 Mar 1999 08:21:18 -0500
> This article appeared in my newspaper today... originated from the
> Chicago
> Tribune
>
> An estimated 15 percent of Americans have restless leg syndrome,
> manifested by
> a prickly, tingly or crawling sensation in th legs that is relieved by
> movement.
>
> This disorder can disturb the sleep of people who have it as well as
> that o
> their bed partners, and researchers say they're on the track of
> treatmenst to
> control it. An early study suggests the generic drug PERGOLIDE may
> help
> control the problem.
>
> "Its disabling when people can't sleep and wake up feeling exhausted
> every
> day," said Dr. Christopher Early, a neurologist at Johns Hopkins
> Bayview
> Medical Center in Baltimore, who published his study results in
> December
> issue of Neurology. "PERGOLIDE controls the number of leg movements
> during
> sleep and this allows patients, and even their bed partners, to wake
> up
> feeling better rested."
>
> Early said the drug also helps reduce the effects of restless leg
> syndrome
> during waking hours.
>
> "By taking this drug, people can sit comfortably for longer periods,"
> said
> Earley. "imagine the difference PERGOLIDE can make for people with
> sit-down
> jobs and for those who relax by siting down to watch a movie or read a
> book."
>
> The dug levadopa has been used to treat restless leg syndrome, but it
> hasn't
> been adequate to relieve sleep symptoms and the effects it does have
> diminish
> with long-term use.
>
> Jeanne