Derek S. Restless leg syndrome

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Question

I am being treated for Restless Leg Syndrome. (Pills and stay hydrated)) Is there any chance that my RLS could be TMS related. If so what are my options.

Jim McGlynn

 

[Derek Sapico MFT]

Answer

Thanks for your question. I have a very difficult time understanding restless leg syndrome through any kind of structural lens. There are a few legitimate medical conditions that could cause restless legs including anemia, thyroid problems, or vein thrombosis.

Assuming no pathology is present, the only thing that makes sense to me to describe restless legs has to do with low dopamine levels in the brain. Low dopamine levels are frequently linked to depression\anxiety or medication/drug effects or withdrawal.

I personally had this symptom multiple times and tried treating it with medication which didn't help. I believe that RLS is absolutely a TMS equivalent and that the the most effective approach would be to make healthy lifestyle changes and practice emotional hygiene. These were the things that made a difference for me. I have also treated patients who had success with a TMS approach and healthy lifestyle.

Best of luck to you.

-Derek

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[fibri]

This question was submitted via our Ask a TMS Therapist program. To submit your question, click here.

Question

I am being treated for Restless Leg Syndrome. (Pills and stay hydrated)) Is there any chance that my RLS could be TMS related. If so what are my options.

Jim McGlynn

Hi, I suspect that restless leg is one of my TMS symptoms. However, I do have a quick fix to suggest. I always get RL when lying in bed at night, and often while watching TV. I have found that if I empty my bladder, it stops. Even if I just emptied my bladder half an hour ago, and don't feel the need, I go anyway. It always works. Always. Without fail. If it continues or starts again, I repeat and then it's gone.

Hope this trick can help you too.

 

[sosparkly]

Hi Jim,
I've suffered with RLS in the past. I think it is TMS related, in that the muscle contraction (lack of oxygen) causes the muscles to burn a lot of magnesium. So, I take 300mg of magnesium when I feel RLS symptoms. Works like a charm!

All the best!

 

[Lynn P.]

Hi, Jim
I also take 320mgs. of calcium citrate and 99mgs of potassium when I have restless leg syndrome. Definitely works.

 

[Alex5678]

Hi there. While I don’t doubt there is a TMS component of RLS, RLS has been found to be the result of low serum ferritin in the brain for many patients. This is different than lack of iron in the blood, such as anemia. The U.S. RLS Foundation recommends Ferritin levels be at least 150 before ruling out this cause. This is 3-4 times higher than the standard for anemia. The only way to get to this level is with intravenous iron infusion. Oral iron pills will not bring up levels to this number, even though this number is safe (even up to 300 is safe for adults). Oral iron actually causes ferritin levels to decrease after a fairly short period of time- the body’s way of preventing levels from getting too high: a great mechanism for non RLS patients but a frustrating situation for RLS patients. IV iron infusion is the solution for getting around this. You’ll find the research for this as well as a list of approved specialists, ferritin testing testing instructions (don’t take the blood test during an infection, after taking iron pills or on a full stomach, after a meat-heavy meal the night before, etc.), and infusion guidelines on the RLS Foundation’s website and YouTube channel.

 

[sosparkly]

This question was submitted via our Ask a TMS Therapist program. To submit your question, click here.

Question

I am being treated for Restless Leg Syndrome. (Pills and stay hydrated)) Is there any chance that my RLS could be TMS related. If so what are my options.

Jim McGlynn

Hi Jim,
Restless leg syndrome is really an obvious outcome of TMS, in my opinion. Essentially, it is the flight or fight response acting on the muscles in the legs. It's literally saying - we need to run away from this fearful situation. When we have too much stress and negative emotions our sympathetic nervous system is flipped on and muscles are readied to act. We may not recognize it, but our minds see a situation of danger.
The answer can be quieting our minds, relaxing the muscles in our body and working towards changing our reaction to stress, or even changing our lifestyle to some degree.