New-onset restless leg syndrome in a COVID-19 patient: a case report with literature review.

Osama Mohiuddin, Anosh Aslam Khan, Syed Muhammad Ismail Shah, Mohammad Daniyal Zafar Malick, Shehzeen Fatima Memon, Sumeen Jalees, Farah Yasmin

Journal: The Pan African medical journal 2021;38():318

PMID: 34285741

Abstract

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder characterized by the sudden urge to move the lower limbs during periods of rest accompanied by an unpleasant sensation like tingling or burning in the legs. Often, this urge is partially relieved by the movement of legs. However, it causes disturbance of sleep leading to daytime fatigue. Herein, we present an unusual case of new-onset of restless leg syndrome in a COVID-19 infected patient who presented three weeks after an uncomplicated delivery via caesarean section. The patient was managed with sleep hygiene measures, oral iron and vitamin C tablets apart from general COVID-19 management medications, subsequently leading to significant improvements. Here we have discussed possible associated factors, pathophysiological mechanisms and management of RLS in the case of COVID infected individuals.

Copyright: Osama Mohiuddin et al.

Address: Department of Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.; Department of Internal Medicine, Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan.; Department of Neurology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
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