Brain structure linked to symptoms of restless legs syndrome

Press Release:

MINNEAPOLIS – People with restless legs syndrome may have changes in a portion of the brain that processes sensory information, according to a study published in the April 25, 2018, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Restless legs syndrome is a disorder that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs, accompanied by an irresistible urge to move them. It often occurs in the evening and at night, sometimes affecting a person’s ability to sleep. In some cases, exercise may reduce symptoms. Iron supplements may also be prescribed if there is an iron deficiency. For more serious cases, there are also medications, but many have serious side effects if taken too long.

“Our study, which we believe is the first to show changes in the sensory system with restless legs syndrome, found evidence of structural changes in the brain’s somatosensory cortex, the area where sensations are processed,” said study author Byeong-Yeul Lee, PhD, of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. “It is likely that symptoms may be related to the pathological changes in this area of the brain.”

The brain’s somatosensory cortex is part of the body’s somatosensory system, which is made up of nerves and pathways that react to changes either inside or outside the body. This system helps a person perceive touch, temperature, pain, movement and position.

The study involved 28 people with severe restless legs symptoms who had the disorder for an average of 13 years. They were compared to 51 people of the same age without the disorder. Each participant had a brain scan with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Researchers found that people with restless legs syndrome had a 7.5 percent decrease in the average thickness of brain tissue in the area of the brain that processes sensations compared to the healthy participants. They also found a substantial decrease in the area of the brain where nerve fibers connect one side of the brain to the other.

Lee said, “These structural changes make it even more convincing that RLS symptoms are stemming from unique changes in the brain and provide a new area of focus to understand the syndrome and possibly develop new therapies.”

He said while the study shows a possible link between symptoms and the areas of the brain that process sensory information, it is possible that symptoms may instead be linked to impaired function in other parts of the sensory system.

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ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS - Naturally derived, intense moisturizing herbal cream soothes aching, busy legs with magnesium, aloe, cudweed, lavender, sage and ylang-ylang. Our deep penetrating, non-greasy formula contains active ingredients to help deliver fast-acting, serious relief when you need it most.
HOW TO USE - Provides a natural alternative to other sleep aids. For best results, apply generously into legs and feet before bedtime. If you are tired of tossing and turning, now you can get the rest you need without side effects or the risk of dependency. Reapply if necessary. Results may vary.
SAFE, PLANT-DERIVED TOPICAL - A great benefit of our cream is it does not interfere with other medications. A safe option for someone who is currently taking medication or wants to avoid medicines that can be harsh on the body.
TRUSTED BRAND WITH YOU IN MIND - MagniLife has been a trusted business for over 20 years. All of our products are developed and manufactured in our state-of-the art facilities. Made with highly qualified formulators to ensure excellence in quality and consistency, we ensure top quality products and are dedicated to providing products that help to improve quality of life. Start your journey to a healthy lifestyle today!

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