The nation's leading supporter of biomedical research on disorders of the brain and nervous system. There is often a positive family history of the disorder. Individuals affected with the disorder describe the sensations as pulling, drawing, crawling, wormy, boring, tingling, pins and needles, prickly, and sometimes painful sensations that are usually accompanied by an overwhelming urge to move the legs. Sudden muscle jerks may also occur.
Movement provides temporary relief from the discomfort.
In rare cases, the arms may also be affected. The symptoms often exhibit circadian rhythmicity in their peak occurrence during awakening hours. Treatment for restless legs syndrome is symptomatic. Massage and application of cold compresses may provide temporary relief. However, many of these medications have side effects.