Posted by djmmm on June 7, 2003, at 8:58:50
In reply to Anyone heard of a blood-test for RLS?, posted by jerrympls on June 7, 2003, at 3:36:38
> My sister has been having restless legs at night while attempting to sleep. I did quite a bit of research on the subject including treatments, causes, etc. - but no where did I find that it could be diagnosed with a simple blood test.
>
> Her family doc said they diagnosis Restless Legs Syndrome by testing the level of FERRITIN - which coincidentally is part of hemoglobin/iron level work-up. Anyway, the dr. said she had a level of 12 which he said was LOW - meaning she DID have restless leg syndrome. I looked at my recent test results and found my ferritin level to be even lower at 7.
>
> One of the main treatments for RLS is a medlike Mirapex - but it also seems that iron supplements can help as well.
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> Anyway, for those of you out there who are amateur psychopharmacologists - is this test a TRUE measure??
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> Thanks!
> JerryTesting ferritin levels is the only test I have heard of for diagnosing RLS. Ferritin is an iron storage protein. Iron deficiency can cause a number of problems, most recent research suggests RLS may be the result of iron deficiency within ferritin stores or decreased ferritin protein.
Serum ferritin level is directly proportional to the amount of iron stored in the body. A normal level ranges from 12-300 for males and 12-150 for females. For women, the results can be misleading the test is given during menstruation. A poor diet can also effect iron levels.
poster:djmmm
thread:232107
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030604/msgs/232132.html