ABSTRACT

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensory-motor disorder. RLS is characterized by intense restlessness and unpleasant sensation deep inside the legs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of RLS among the epileptic patients who took carbamazepine (CBZ) or valproic acid (VPA) monotherapy and the findings were compared normal subjects and general population.

Patients who took VPA and CBZ monotherapy and followed up at least six months in our department were included in this study. The diagnosis of RLS was made according to the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group criteria. Findings were compared with age-sex matched normal subjects and general population.

Ninety-two patients were included in this study. Fifty-seven of them were taking VPA and remaining thirty-five were taking CBZ. We found RLS in two (2.2%) of them (one of them taking VPA, the other CBZ). The percentage of RLS in normal subject was 6%. However, this difference was not statistically significant.

We interpret this result as indirect evidence of treatment of RLS symptoms with CBZ and VA therapy when the finding was compared with general population and normal subjects.

Keywords: Epilepsy, restless legs syndrome, carbamazepine, valproic acid