Restless Legs Syndrome

Causes & Prevention

Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome

There are two kinds of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), primary and secondary. Primary RLS is unrelated to any other medical condition, while secondary RLS is related to another medical problem.

While the exact cause of primary RLS is unknown, patients often report having a family member with RLS symptoms, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder.

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.