Restless legs syndrome in multiple sclerosis decreases health-related quality of life

BACKGROUND: Neuropsychiatric symptoms like dysesthesia, sleep disturbances and fatigue could be seen in patients suffering from both multiple sclerosis (MS) and restless leg syndrome (RLS). The aim of study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of RLS in MS patients. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we used a questionnaire based on official diagnostic criteria for RLS. Data about MS, RLS, sleep and quality of life (QoL) were obtained. Data were statistically analysed. RESULTS: From all 200 subjects, 26% (n=52) fulfilled all essential criteria for RLS. In RLS-positive group, sleep disturbances, fatigue/excessive daytime sleepiness (EDTS), and reduced QoL were more prevalent than in patients without RLS/WED (p=0.03, p=0.04, and p=0.01, respectively). Sleep disturbances positively correlated with intensity of RLS symptoms (rs=0.421). Reduced QoL was significantly correlated with sleep impairment (rs=0.545) and fatigue/EDTS (rs=0.681). Consumption of benzodiazepines was higher in RLS-positives (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: RLS is prevalent in MS patients and has a negative impact on sleep leading to EDTS. It is possible that RLS/WED is underdiagnosed in MS patients, given the overlap in symptoms between these two conditions. Neurologists should actively search for RLS and treat the symptoms, as they are associated with lower QoL in MS patients..

### Language ###
English

### Assessment ###
A simple question about the percentage of multiple sclerosis patients who have restless leg syndrome

### Query ###
What percentage of MS patients develop restless legs syndrome?
What percentage of MS patients develop restless legs syndrome?