Motor Restlessness in Parkinson Disease

A comparison of unmedicated patients with Parkinson disease and controls showed a nearly three times increased prevalence of leg motor restlessness but not typical restless legs syndrome.

Sleep disorders are common in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent sensorimotor disorder in the general population. The prevalence of RLS in the PD population has varied widely in studies, likely related to various diagnostic criteria and variations in use of dopaminergic agents that can treat both conditions.

In this population-based study, 200 untreated patients with PD and 173 controls completed an in-person interview, a medication history, and various standardized neurological assessment scales. A neurologist diagnosed RLS from available data using the International Restless Legs Study Group criteria. Blood samples including ferritin, cobalamin, and creatinine were collected to screen for comm…

Reviewing Author

Brian J. Murray, MD, FRCPC D, ABSM

Motor Restlessness in Parkinson Disease

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Reviewing Author