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Could Restless Leg Syndrome Be The Side Effect Of Radiation Therapy?
My husband had melamona in the lymph nodes which required a neck dissection. While receiving radiation treatments to the neck area he is experiencing what sounds like restless leg syndrome with similar effects to the arm opposite side of treatment area, can this be a side effect of the radiation therapy?
Thu, 25 Feb 2021
Hello,
- Restless legs syndrome is commonly seen in patients with cancer. However, I could not find any academic literature linking it with radiation therapy
- Its usually experienced in both lower legs with the following:
-- You have a strong, often irresistible urge to move your legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations
-- Your symptoms start or get worse when you're resting, such as sitting or lying down
-- Your symptoms are partially or temporarily relieved by activity, such as walking or stretching
-- Your symptoms are worse at night
-- Symptoms can't be explained solely by another medical or behavioral condition
- There are several medicines that are known to help with this like Ropinirole, Pramiprexole, etc., that you can discuss with your doctor.
Some things your husband can try at home are:
-- Cold packs
-- warm baths and massages
-- Good sleep hygiene
-- Avoid caffeine
-- Exercise
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pranav Balakrishnan, General & Family Physician
- Restless legs syndrome is commonly seen in patients with cancer. However, I could not find any academic literature linking it with radiation therapy
- Its usually experienced in both lower legs with the following:
-- You have a strong, often irresistible urge to move your legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations
-- Your symptoms start or get worse when you're resting, such as sitting or lying down
-- Your symptoms are partially or temporarily relieved by activity, such as walking or stretching
-- Your symptoms are worse at night
-- Symptoms can't be explained solely by another medical or behavioral condition
- There are several medicines that are known to help with this like Ropinirole, Pramiprexole, etc., that you can discuss with your doctor.
Some things your husband can try at home are:
-- Cold packs
-- warm baths and massages
-- Good sleep hygiene
-- Avoid caffeine
-- Exercise
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pranav Balakrishnan, General & Family Physician
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