About 10 to 12 percent of the U.S. population suffers from restless legs syndrome but many are undiagnosed, said Dr. John Morgan, co-director of the MCG Restless Legs Clinic, the only clinic in the area dedicated to the disorder.

“RLS causes uncomfortable sensations or movements in the legs that usually occur in the evening and can profoundly affect a person’s ability to sleep,” said Dr. Morgan. “Although it’s a recognized disorder, many continue to be unaware that they have it, despite symptoms that significantly interfere with their daily life. However, the disorder is very treatable.”

MCG Health System will host a free Restless Legs Syndrome Seminar on Saturday, December 10, at the Augusta Towers Hotel (formerly the Sheraton Augusta Hotel), 2651 Perimeter Parkway, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event is open to patients, families and friends of those affected by RLS and will provide information on how RLS affects sleep, how it is diagnosed and advances in RLS treatment. A concurrent session on Parkinson disease and RLS is also available for primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and RNs. Registrants may attend the entire half-day program or drop by for a specific session. A continental breakfast will be served. To register, call 706-721-2798 by December 9 or click here to register online.

Those unable to attend the seminar who would like more information about RLS may contact the MCG RLS Clinic at 706-721-4581.

“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.”

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 MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation.  The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians, faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia, or employees of the MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation, 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 MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care.  For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.