This syndrome is twice as common in MS patients

People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) are around twice as likely to develop restless legs syndrome compared with people without MS, according to a new study from Spain.

Restless legs syndrome is a neurological condition that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them, often worsening at night and affecting sleep.

Researchers carried out a case control study to look at how often restless legs syndrome occurs in people living with MS and which factors may increase the likelihood of developing it. Importantly, diagnoses were confirmed by a sleep disorder specialist rather than relying on questionnaires alone.

The study included 440 people living with MS who were receiving care at a specialist MS unit in Spain. All met the 2017 McDonald diagnostic criteria. A further 241 people without MS were included as a matched control group. Participants were recruited between 2023 and 2024.

Researchers identified possible cases of restless legs syndrome in two stages. First, participants took part in telephone or in person interviews using a structured questionnaire based on international diagnostic criteria. Anyone who met the initial criteria then had a follow up assessment with a sleep disorder specialist to confirm the diagnosis.

Using questionnaire screening alone, restless legs syndrome appeared in 19.6 percent of people living with MS, compared with 9.6 percent of people in the control group. However, more than one in five of these initial results turned out to be false positives.

After specialist confirmation, the figures were lower but still showed a clear difference. Restless legs syndrome was confirmed in 15.2 percent of people living with MS, compared with 7.9 percent of those without MS. This difference was statistically significant.

The researchers also looked at MS related clinical and scan findings to understand which factors were linked to a higher chance of developing restless legs syndrome. Two stood out clearly. People living with MS who had a family history of restless legs syndrome were around five times more likely to develop it. Those with symptoms linked to pyramidal tract involvement, which affects movement and muscle control, were around four times more likely.

Interestingly, people with spinal cord lesions were found to have a lower likelihood of developing restless legs syndrome.

The authors said the findings highlight the importance of routinely checking for restless legs syndrome in people living with MS, particularly those experiencing sleep problems or movement-related symptoms.

Understanding and recognising conditions like restless legs syndrome can help people living with MS access the right support and improve sleep and quality of life.

For help and support with MS symptoms, call our Helpline every weekday between 10am and 4pm for information and emotional support on 0800 783 0518, send a WhatsApp message on 07824 708897 or email info@ms-uk.org