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Evidence of peripheral axonal neuropathy in primary restless legs syndrome
Author(s) -
Iannaccone Sandro,
Zucconi Marco,
Marchettini Paolo,
FeriniStrambi Luigi,
Nemni Raffaello,
Quattrini Angelo,
Palazzi Stefano,
Lacerenza Marco,
Formaglio Fabio,
Smirne Salvatore
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
movement disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.352
H-Index - 198
eISSN - 1531-8257
pISSN - 0885-3185
DOI - 10.1002/mds.870100103
Subject(s) - peripheral neuropathy , peripheral , sural nerve , restless legs syndrome , medicine , axon , sensation , neurological examination , neurological disorder , nerve fiber , neurology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychology , neuroscience , central nervous system disease , pathology , surgery , anatomy , psychiatry , endocrinology , diabetes mellitus
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a well‐defined clinical entity characterized by an unpleasant creeping sensation arising in the legs with an irresistible need to move them. The trouble is more pronounced when the affected people lie in a prolonged rest position and try to fall asleep. It is known that RLS may be consequent to systemic disorders and to diseases affecting the central or peripheral nervous system. The International Classification of Sleep Disorders states that peripheral neuropathy should be ruled out by medical history and clinical grounds before diagnosing primary RLS (pRLS). The present study extended peripheral nerve investigation in eight consecutive pRLS patients with normal neurological examination results and showed that all patients exhibited two or more electrical, psychophysiological, and/or morphological features of peripheral axonal neuropathy. Morphometric analysis of sural nerve showed a significant reduction in myelinated fiber density and g ratio (axon diameter/fiber diameter) in the pRLS group compared with eight control biopsy specimens. These results suggest that axonal neuropathy is often present in patients with RLS. A comprehensive peripheral nerve investigation should be considered in RLS patients.