Prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome and its Related Factors in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background and purpose: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder which can reduce the duration and quality of sleep and consequently affect quality of life. Understanding the prevalence of this syndrome in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and its associated factors could be of great benefit in enhancing their quality of life. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 300 MS patients attending an MS clinic. They were selected using random sampling. After clinical examination, demographic information and disease characteristics were recorded and RLS rating scale was used for each patient. Results: The prevalence of RLS was 43.3% in MS patients. Some factors were found to be responsible including older age, longer MS duration, pattern of disease and the level of disability caused by MS. Conclusion: RLS evaluations should be done regularly in MS patients especially in those with sleep disorders. This could cause timely diagnosis and treatment, thereby leading to a better quality of life in these patients.

Keywords

• multiple sclerosis
• restless legs syndrome
• sleep disorder