I know that what most people will want to know is what is the outlook for those suffering from this condition.

Well, unfortunately RLS is generally a lifelong condition for which there is no cure. Having said that, current therapies can control the disorder, minimising symptoms and increase periods of restful sleep. Symptoms may gradually worsen with age, although the decline may be somewhat faster for individuals who also suffer from an associated medical condition. In addition, some individuals do have periods when symptoms decrease or disappear for days, weeks, or months—although symptoms usually eventually reappear.

I know that some people will associate the uncontrolled movement of limbs with other neurological disorders but I think it is important to say that a diagnosis of RLS does not indicate the onset of another neurological disease, such as Parkinson’s disease.

Drugs that increase dopamine, which are largely used to treat Parkinson's disease, have been shown to reduce symptoms of RLS and PLMS when they are taken at bedtime and are considered the initial treatment of choice.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved pramipexole and ropinirole to treat moderate to severe RLS. Both drugs are generally well tolerated but they can cause nausea, dizziness, or other side effects. Good short-term results of treatment with levodopa plus carbidopa have been reported.

Although dopamine-related medications are effective in managing RLS, long-term use can lead to worsening of the symptoms in many individuals. This apparent progressive worsening is referred to as “augmentation.” With chronic use, a person may begin to experience symptoms earlier in the evening than in the afternoon until finally the symptoms are present around the clock. The initial evening or bedtime dose becomes less effective, the symptoms at night become more intense, and symptoms begin to affect the arms or trunk. Fortunately, this apparent progression is reversible by removing the person from all dopamine-related medications.

Another important adverse effect of dopamine medications that occurs in some people is the development of impulsive or obsessive behaviours such as obsessive gambling or shopping. Should they occur, these behaviours can be reversed by stopping the medication.

I should imagine though, unless the RLS is really bad, opting to this treatment would be a last resort, some of the side effects sound pretty scary!