Restless leg syndrome

Some conditions just seem to go together.  One of those that seems to hit migraineurs more often than most is restless leg syndrome.  Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition causing discomfort in the legs (sometimes arms) when you’re trying to sleep.  Your legs just have to move a little bit, and you may have to get up and walk around.  Because you’re awake at night, you also end up being tired during the day.  RLS often runs in families, as does migraine.

Standford University Medical Center has announced a new study on the treatment of RLS.  They’ll be trying a drug for Parkinsons, ropinirole.  This will be a 12 week study, and volunteers between 18 and 70 are being recruited. [Edit: volunteers no longer needed]

Antiparkinsonion drugs are a common treatment for RLS.  This class of drugs raise the brain levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter.  Dopamine seems to play a role in migraine as well, and raised levels may make migraine worse.  Iron pills may also help alleviate RLS.  A migraineur will have to look at the big picture and not just treat everything separatley.