“RLS is a recognized disorder, but many people are unaware that they have the disorder, despite having symptoms that significantly interfere with their daily life,” said Dr. Morgan. “As a result, many patients do not seek treatment when, in fact, the disorder is very treatable.”

Those suffering from RLS usually report feeling unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs (and occasionally arms) accompanied by an overwhelming urge to move the legs. These symptoms usually occur when the person is inactive or fatigued, typically in the evening before or after the person has gone to bed. Patients may also frequently experience jerking of the legs, also known as periodic limb movements of sleep. PLMS and other symptoms of RLS can cause difficulty in falling or staying asleep for both the patient and the bed partner, leading to daytime fatigue that affects productivity and stress levels.

As part of the MCG Movement Disorders Program, which supports both research and clinical initiatives, the RLS clinic focuses on the latest therapies for the condition. Dr. Morgan and Dr. Kapil Sethi, co-director of the RLS clinic, are conducting clinical trials for a promising set of drugs known as dopamine agonists.

“These drugs bind to dopamine receptors in the brain, and by an unknown mechanism, significantly improve sleep and the symptoms of RLS,” said Dr. Morgan. These drugs are also used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Other treatments include drug therapy, while non-medical therapies such as relaxation techniques, massage and gentle stretching have also been found to help the symptoms of RLS.

While no cause for the disease has yet been identified, heredity, impaired iron acquisition in the brain and problems with dopamine systems in the brain appear to play a role. In primary RLS, there appears to be a genetic link. Secondary RLS is due to an underlying condition, with anemia, end-stage kidney disease, pregnancy and nerve damage being common factors. RLS is also more common in women and in those with Parkinson’s disease.

“This condition affects a person’s sleep, work and quality of life,” said Dr. Morgan. “Recognizing that this disorder exists and that there is help available is the first step in getting effective treatment.”

The clinic meets on Tuesday afternoons. For an appointment, call 706-721-4581.

MCG Health System will also host a free Restless Legs Syndrome Symposium on Monday, November 15, at the Augusta Towers Hotel (formerly the Sheraton Augusta Hotel), 2651 Perimeter Parkway, from 2 to 5 p.m. The event is open to patients, families and friends of those affected by RLS and will provide information on common sleep disorders, symptoms and treatments for RLS. To register, call 706-721-2798 by November 12.

MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations -- MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians and faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group, not employees of MCG Health Inc. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.