Relationship Between Sensory and Motor Systems in Restless Leg Syndrome

Overview

This study will explore what occurs between sensory and motor systems in restless legs syndrome (RLS). Patients with RLS have uncomfortable sensations in the legs, usually in the evening or early part of the night. Most patients also have periodic involuntary leg movements. The condition tends to worsen over time, resulting in severe discomfort and sleep disturbances. Healthy normal volunteers and patients with RLS between 18 and 80 years of age may be eligible for this study. All candidates will be screened with a medical history, physical and neurological evaluations, electroymogram (measure of muscle activity), overnight sleep study, electrocardiogram (ECG, measurement of the electrical activity of the heart), and blood and urine tests. They may also have brain or spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans and a chest X-ray. Participants must stop taking all medications prohibited by the study for 2 days or more before the study starts and throughout its duration. Participants will undergo prepulse inhibition tests to assess nervous system function. The participant sits comfortably in a quiet room. Several cables are attached to the face and legs using a special cream that conducts electrical signals through the cables to recording equipment. Nervous system activity is evaluated while the subject is at rest and after sensory stimulation (stimulating the nerves in the legs and face with a very brief electrical current of mild to moderate intensity). At times, the subject receives a short, mild sound stimulation delivered through earphones. The testing session takes 4 to 6 hours.

Background - Restless leg syndrome (RLS), a condition affecting millions of Americans, is characterized by uncomfortable sensory symptoms relived by voluntary or involuntary movements. Objectives -To test our hypothesis that sensorimotor gating is deficient in RLS. Methods - In a controlled proof-of-principle clinical study, sensorimotor gating will be assessed through the use of validated electrophysiological tests of prepulse inhibition, in 17 adult patients with RLS and 17 matched healthy controls. Risks and benefits -Risks involved in this study are minimal, and deemed reasonable in relation to potential benefits. This investigation will lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of RLS.