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Park SY, Park YM, Kim YR. A Comparative Investigation of Functional Connectivity Utilizing Electroencephalography in Insomnia Patients with and without Restless Leg Syndrome. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 22:314-321. [PMID: 38627078 PMCID: PMC11024702 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.23.1117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Objective The current study aimed to identify distinctive functional brain connectivity characteristics that differentiate patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) from those with primary insomnia. Methods Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) was employed to analyze connectivity matrices using the phaselocking value technique. A total of 107 patients with RLS (RLS group) and 17 patients with insomnia without RLS (primary insomnia group) were included in the study. Demographic variables were compared using t tests and chi-square tests, while differences in connectivity were examined through multiple analyses of covariance. Correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between connectivity and the severity of RLS. Results The results indicated significant differences in the primary somatosensory cortex (F = 4.377, r = 0.039), primary visual cortex (F = 4.215, r = 0.042), and anterior prefrontal cortex (F = 5.439, r = 0.021) between the RLS and primary insomnia groups. Furthermore, the connectivity of the sensory cortex, including the primary somatosensory cortex (r = -0.247, p = 0.014), sensory association cortex (r = -0.238, p = 0.028), retrosplenial region (r = -0.302, p = 0.002), angular gyrus (r = -0.258, p = 0.008), supramarginal gyrus (r = -0.230, p = 0.020), primary visual cortex (r = -0.275, p = 0.005) and secondary visual cortex (r = -0.226, p = 0.025) exhibited an inverse association with RLS symptom severity. Conclusion The prefrontal cortex, primary somatosensory cortex, and visual cortex showed potential as diagnostic biomarkers for distinguishing RLS from primary insomnia. These findings indicate that QEEG-based functional connectivity analysis shows promise as a valuable diagnostic tool for RLS and provides insights into its underlying mechanisms. Further research is needed to explore this aspect further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo-Young Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
| | - Young-Min Park
- Psychiatric Clinic in Your Brain and Mind, Goyang, Korea
| | - Yang Rae Kim
- Kim’s Hue Neuropsychiatric Clinic, Bucheon, Korea
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Wang T, Huang X, Dai LX, Zhan KM, Wang J. Functional connectivity alterations in the thalamus among patients with bronchial asthma. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1378362. [PMID: 38798710 PMCID: PMC11116975 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1378362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Bronchial Asthma (BA) is a common chronic respiratory disease worldwide. Earlier research has demonstrated abnormal functional connectivity (FC) in multiple cognition-related cortices in asthma patients. The thalamus (Thal) serves as a relay center for transmitting sensory signals, yet the modifications in the thalamic FC among individuals with asthma remain uncertain. This research employed the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) approach to explore alterations in thalamic functional connectivity among individuals with BA. Patients and methods After excluding participants who did not meet the criteria, this study finally included 31 patients with BA, with a gender distribution of 16 males and 15 females. Subsequently, we recruited 31 healthy control participants (HC) matched for age, gender, and educational background. All participants underwent the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) assessment. Following this, both groups underwent head magnetic resonance imaging scans, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data was collected. Based on the AAL (Automated Anatomical Labeling) template, the bilateral thalamic regions were used as seed points (ROI) for subsequent rsFC research. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between thalamic functional connectivity and neuropsychological scales in both groups. After controlling for potential confounding factors such as age, gender, intelligence, and emotional level, a two-sample t-test was further used to explore differences in thalamic functional connectivity between the two groups of participants. Result Compared to the HC group, the BA group demonstrated heightened functional connectivity (FC) between the left thalamus and the left cerebellar posterior lobe (CPL), left postcentral gyrus (PCG), and right superior frontal gyrus (SFG). Concurrently, there was a decrease in FC with both the Lentiform Nucleus (LN) and the left corpus callosum (CC). Performing FC analysis with the right thalamus as the Region of Interest (ROI) revealed an increase in FC between the right thalamus and the right SFG as well as the left CPL. Conversely, a decrease in FC was observed between the right thalamus and the right LN as well as the left CC. Conclusion In our study, we have verified the presence of aberrant FC patterns in the thalamus of BA patients. When compared to HCs, BA patients exhibit aberrant alterations in FC between the thalamus and various brain areas connected to vision, hearing, emotional regulation, cognitive control, somatic sensations, and wakefulness. This provides further confirmation of the substantial role played by the thalamus in the advancement of BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Li-xue Dai
- Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Kang-min Zhan
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
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Dirks CAH, Bachmann CG. From brain to spinal cord: neuromodulation by direct current stimulation and its promising effects as a treatment option for restless legs syndrome. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1278200. [PMID: 38333606 PMCID: PMC10850250 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1278200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation is a fast-growing field of mostly non-invasive therapies, which includes spinal cord stimulation (SCS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), peripheral nerve stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS). This narrative review offers an overview of the therapy options, especially of tDCS and tsDCS for chronic pain and spinal cord injury. Finally, we discuss the potential of tsDCS in Restless Legs Syndrome as a promising non-invasive, alternative therapy to medication therapy.
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Pagani-Estévez GL, Holland MT, Tippmann-Peikert M, Benarroch EE, Silber MH, Carvalho DZ. Potential therapeutic benefit of spinal cord stimulation in restless legs syndrome: scoping review and mechanistic considerations. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2023; 24:S18-S23. [PMID: 37833049 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnad089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent sensorimotor disorder that can dramatically impair sleep quality, daytime function, and quality of life. Although many patients benefit from standard pharmacological therapy, some patients suffer from insufficient treatment response or medication intolerance. Novel treatment approaches are therefore necessary. OBJECTIVE Given the overlap between RLS and pain syndromes in both pathophysiological mechanisms and certain treatment options, we aimed to perform a scoping review of the available evidence on spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for RLS and discuss potential mechanistic implications. METHODS We identified a total of 16 cases of patients with RLS who underwent SCS, all from case reports or case series. DISCUSSION The published evidence is insufficient to assess SCS efficacy in patients with RLS, but SCS remains a promising investigational therapy in RLS on the basis of its potential mitigatory effects in the central hyperexcitability of the sensorimotor cortex through neuromodulation of spinal, subcortical, and cortical areas. A call for further research in this field is presented, with suggestions for future directions and trial designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel L Pagani-Estévez
- Department of Interventional and Surgical Pain Management, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45220, United States
| | - Marshall T Holland
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Maja Tippmann-Peikert
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
- Center for Sleep Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | | | - Michael H Silber
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
- Center for Sleep Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | - Diego Z Carvalho
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
- Center for Sleep Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
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Kim TJ, Kim MH, Kim JH, Jun JS, Byun JI, Sunwoo JS, Shin JW, Gho SM, Sohn CH, Jung KY. Change of iron content in brain regions after intravenous iron therapy in restless legs syndrome: quantitative susceptibility mapping study. Sleep 2023; 46:zsad154. [PMID: 37257418 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsad154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES The pathomechanism of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is related to brain iron deficiency and iron therapy is effective for RLS; however, the effect of iron therapy on human brain iron state has never been studied with magnetic resonance imaging. This study aimed to investigate the change of brain iron concentrations in patients with RLS after intravenous iron therapy using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). METHODS We enrolled 31 RLS patients and 20 healthy controls. All participants underwent initial baseline (t0) assessment using brain magnetic resonance imaging, serum iron status, and sleep questionnaires including international RLS Study Group rating scale (IRLS). RLS patients underwent follow-up tests at 6 and 24 weeks (t1 and t2) after receiving 1000 mg ferric carboxymaltose. Iron content of region-of-interest on QSM images was measured for 13 neural substrates using the fixed-shaped method. RESULTS RLS symptoms evaluated using IRLS were significantly improved after iron treatment (t0: 29.7 ± 6.5, t1: 19.5 ± 8.5, t2: 21.3 ± 10.1; p < .001). There was no significant difference in susceptibility values between the controls and RLS patients at t0. In the caudate nucleus, putamen, and pulvinar thalamus of RLS patients, the QSM values differed significantly for three timepoints (p = .035, .048, and .032, respectively). The post-hoc analysis revealed that the QSM values increased at t1 in the caudate nucleus (66.8 ± 18.0 vs 76.4 ± 16.6, p = .037) and decreased from t1 to t2 in the putamen (69.4 ± 16.3 vs 62.5 ± 13.6, p = .025). Changes in the QSM values for the pulvinar and caudate nuclei at t1 were positively and negatively correlated with symptomatic improvement, respectively (r = 0.361 and -0.466, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Intravenous iron treatment results in changes in brain iron content which correlate to reductions in RLS severity. This suggests a connection between symptom improvement and the associated specific brain regions constituting the sensorimotor network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Joon Kim
- Department of Neurology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurology, Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Hye Kim
- Department of Neurology, Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hwan Kim
- Department of Neurology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Sun Jun
- Department of Neurology, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ick Byun
- Department of Neurology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Sang Sunwoo
- Department of Neurology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Won Shin
- Department of Neurology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Min Gho
- MR Clinical Solutions & Research Collaborations, GE Healthcare, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Sohn
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Young Jung
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Heidbreder A, Trenkwalder C, Bachmann CG, Bartl M, Fulda S, Habersack L, Maihöfner C, Mathis J, Muntean L, Schneider B, Stefani A, Paulus J, Young P. Restless Legs Syndrom. SOMNOLOGIE 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11818-023-00399-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
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Liu Z, Guan R, Pan L. Exploration of restless legs syndrome under the new concept: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32324. [PMID: 36550837 PMCID: PMC9771278 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Restless leg syndrome (Restless legs syndrome, RLS) is a common neurological disorder. The pathogenesis of RLS remains unknown, and recent pathophysiological developments have shown the contribution of various genetic markers, neurotransmitter dysfunction, and iron deficiency to the disease, as well as other unidentified contributing mechanisms, particularly chronic renal dysfunction. RLS enhancement syndrome is frequently observed in patients with RLS who have received long-term dopamine agonist therapy, manifesting as a worsening of RLS symptoms, usually associated with an increase in the dose of dopamine agonist. Some patients with RLS can adequately control their symptoms with non-pharmacological measures such as massage and warm baths. First-line treatment options include iron supplementation for those with evidence of reduced iron stores, or gabapentin or pregabalin, as well as dopamine agonists, such as pramipexole. Second-line therapies include opioids such as tramadol. RLS seriously affects the quality of life of patients, and because its pathogenesis is unclear, more biological evidence and treatment methods need to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Liu
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province
- *Correspondence: Zhao Liu, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin 150006, Heilongjiang Province (e-mail: )
| | - Ruiqian Guan
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province
| | - Limin Pan
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province
- First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province
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Zang QL, Zheng JH, Ma JJ, Zhang Q, Huang PP, Shen NN, Miao W. Neuroanatomy and Functional Connectivity in Patients with Parkinson's Disease with or without Restless Legs Syndrome. Neurol Ther 2022; 11:1625-1636. [PMID: 35999489 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-022-00397-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common non-motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD), but its pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the potential neural substrates of RLS in a large sample of patients with PD. METHODS A total of 42 patients with PD with RLS and 124 patients with PD without RLS were prospectively recruited at our hospital between February 2019 and October 2020 and underwent structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Differences between the two patient groups were assessed using voxel-based morphometry and functional connectivity analysis. PD duration, Part III of the Movement Disorder Society's Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS-III) score, and levodopa equivalent daily dose were treated as covariates. RESULTS Patients with PD with RLS had significantly larger gray matter volume in the bilateral posterior cingulate cortex than patients with PD without RLS (FDR-adjusted P < 0.05). Compared to patients without RLS, those with RLS had significantly lower functional connectivity between the left central opercular cortex and the bilateral precentral gyri and postcentral gyri (FDR-adjusted P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our study provides the first evidence that in patients with PD, RLS is associated with significantly larger gray matter volume in the posterior cingulate cortex and lower resting-state functional connectivity within the sensorimotor network. Our results may help clarify the pathophysiology of RLS in PD and identify possible therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Ling Zang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jian She East Road, Zhengzhou, 450007, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Hua Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, No. 7, Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Jun Ma
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, No. 7, Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jian She East Road, Zhengzhou, 450007, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Pei Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jian She East Road, Zhengzhou, 450007, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Nan Shen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jian She East Road, Zhengzhou, 450007, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wang Miao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jian She East Road, Zhengzhou, 450007, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.
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Park KM, Kim KT, Lee DA, Cho YW. Structural brain connectivity in patients with restless legs syndrome: a diffusion tensor imaging study. Sleep 2022; 45:6575835. [PMID: 35485481 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsac099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To evaluate alterations of global and local structural brain connectivity in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS). METHODS Patients with primary RLS and healthy controls were recruited at a sleep center where they underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the brain. We calculated the network measures of global and local structural brain connectivity based on the DTI in both groups using DSI studio program and a graph theory. RESULTS A total of 69 patients with primary RLS and 51 healthy controls were included in the study. We found a significant difference in the global structural connectivity between the groups. The transitivity in the patients with RLS was lower than that in healthy controls (0.031 vs. 0.033, p = 0.035). Additionally, there were significant differences in the local structural connectivity between the groups. The characteristic path length (r = 0.283, p = 0.018), radius of graph (r = 0.260, p = 0.030), and diameter of graph (r = 0.280, p = 0.019) were all positively correlated with RLS severity, whereas the mean clustering coefficient (r = -0.327, p = 0.006), global efficiency (r = -0.272, p = 0.023), small-worldness index (r = -0.325, p = 0.006), and transitivity (r = -0.351, p = 0.003) were negatively correlated with RLS severity. CONCLUSION We identified changes in the global structural connectivity of patients with RLS using graph theory based on DTI, which showed decreased segregation in the brain network compared to healthy controls. These changes are well correlated with RLS severity. We also found changes in local structural connectivity, especially in regions involved in sensorimotor function, which suggests that these areas play a pivotal role in RLS. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of RLS symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Min Park
- Department of Neurology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Keun Tae Kim
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Dong Ah Lee
- Department of Neurology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Yong Won Cho
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
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Kassubek J. Advanced network neuroimaging as an approach to unravel the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome. Sleep 2022; 45:6601536. [PMID: 35666236 PMCID: PMC9272244 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsac125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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Khachatryan SG, Ferri R, Fulda S, Garcia-Borreguero D, Manconi M, Muntean ML, Stefani A. Restless legs syndrome: Over 50 years of European contribution. J Sleep Res 2022; 31:e13632. [PMID: 35808955 PMCID: PMC9542244 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor neurological disorder characterised by an urge to move the limbs with a circadian pattern (occurring in the evening/at night), more prominent at rest, and relieved with movements. RLS is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders, occurring in 5%-10% of the European population. Thomas Willis first described RLS clinical cases already in the 17th century, and Karl-Axel Ekbom described the disease as a modern clinical entity in the 20th century. Despite variable severity, RLS can markedly affect sleep (partly through the presence of periodic leg movements) and quality of life, with a relevant socio-economic impact. Thus, its recognition and treatment are essential. However, screening methods present limitations and should be improved. Moreover, available RLS treatment options albeit providing sustained relief to many patients are limited in number. Additionally, the development of augmentation with dopamine agonists represents a major treatment problem. A better understanding of RLS pathomechanisms can bring to light novel treatment possibilities. With emerging new avenues of research in pharmacology, imaging, genetics, and animal models of RLS, this is an interesting and constantly growing field of research. This review will update the reader on the current state of RLS clinical practice and research, with a special focus on the contribution of European researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson G Khachatryan
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, National Institute of Health, Yerevan, Armenia.,Sleep Disorders Center, Somnus Neurology Clinic, Yerevan, Armenia
| | | | - Stephany Fulda
- Sleep Medicine Unit, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ospedale Civico, Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Mauro Manconi
- Sleep Medicine Unit, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ospedale Civico, Lugano, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria-Lucia Muntean
- Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Paracelsus-Elena Klinik, Kassel, Germany
| | - Ambra Stefani
- Sleep Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Suzuki K. Microstructural changes in the basal ganglia in restless legs syndrome and migraine. Sleep Biol Rhythms 2022; 20:323-324. [PMID: 38469418 PMCID: PMC10899921 DOI: 10.1007/s41105-022-00393-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 KitakobayashiShimotsuga, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293 Japan
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Mail Gurkan Z, Tantik Pak A, Nacar Dogan S, Sengul Y. Microstructural changes of basal ganglia in migraine with restless legs syndrome: findings from a neuroimaging study. Sleep Biol Rhythms 2022; 20:361-369. [PMID: 38469422 PMCID: PMC10899932 DOI: 10.1007/s41105-022-00376-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, it is planned to investigate the integrity of the basal ganglia structures in migraineurs with restless legs syndrome (RLS) to explore this relationship. In this study, 58 patients who were diagnosed migraine and 51 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Patients diagnosed with migraine were divided into two groups: Group I (migraine without RLS) and Group II (migraine with RLS). The integrity of basal ganglia was evaluated with region of interest diffusion tensor imaging method which allows us to assess microstructural changes of the tissue. The mean age of the patients was 35.98 ± 7.92 years, and the mean age of the HCs was 33.84 ± 11.06. 84.5% (n = 49) of the patients were female and 15.5% (n = 9) were male. 82.4% (n = 42) of the HCs were female, 17.6% (n = 9) were male. The number of the patients without RLS was 41 (Group I), and the number of the patients with RLS was 17 (Group II). When basal ganglia structures were compared between groups of the patients with and without RLS, the fractional anisotropy (FA) value of the left putamen differed (Group I: 0.30 ± 0.06 vs. Group II: 0.25 ± 0.7, p = 0.01). The significant relationship was found attack frequency and presence of RLS with left putamen FA values according to multiple regression analysis. It was determined in this study that the changes in the microstructure of putamen, one of the basal ganglia structures, may be associated with the presence of RLS in migraineurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahide Mail Gurkan
- Neurology Department of Gaziosmanpasa Training and Research Hospital, Gaziosmanpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aygul Tantik Pak
- Neurology Department of Gaziosmanpasa Training and Research Hospital, Gaziosmanpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sebahat Nacar Dogan
- Radiology Department of Gaziosmanpasa Training and Research Hospital, Gaziosmanpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yıldızhan Sengul
- Neurology Department of Gaziosmanpasa Training and Research Hospital, Gaziosmanpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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Restless Legs Syndrome: Known Knowns and Known Unknowns. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12010118. [PMID: 35053861 PMCID: PMC8773543 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder, it remains poorly understood from both clinical and pathophysiological perspectives. RLS is classified among sleep-related movement disorders, namely, conditions characterized by simple, often stereotyped movements occurring during sleep. However, several clinical, neurophysiological and neuroimaging observations question this view. The aim of the present review is to summarize and query some of the current concepts (known knowns) and to identify open questions (known unknowns) on RLS pathophysiology. Based on several lines of evidence, we propose that RLS should be viewed as a disorder of sensorimotor interaction with a typical circadian pattern of occurrence, possibly arising from neurochemical dysfunction and abnormal excitability in different brain structures.
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Mogavero MP, Mezzapesa DM, Savarese M, DelRosso LM, Lanza G, Ferri R. Morphological analysis of the brain subcortical gray structures in restless legs syndrome. Sleep Med 2021; 88:74-80. [PMID: 34740168 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2021.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several studies have shown the involvement of specific structures of the central nervous system, the dopaminergic system, and iron metabolism in restless legs syndrome (RLS), the exact location and extent of its anatomical substrate is not yet known. The scope of this new study was to investigate the brain subcortical gray structures, by means of structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, in RLS patients in order to assess the presence of any volume or shape abnormalities involving these structures. METHODS Thirty-three normal controls (24 females and nine males) and 45 RLS patients (34 females and 11 males) were retrospectively recruited and underwent a 1.5 Tesla MRI study with two-dimensional T1 sequences in the sagittal plane. Post-processing was performed by means of the Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain Analysis Group Integrated Registration and Segmentation Tool (FIRST) software, and both volumetric and morphological analyses of the thalamus, caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, brainstem, hippocampus, and amygdala, bilaterally, were carried out. RESULTS A statistically significant volumetric reduction in the left amygdala and left globus pallidus was found in subjects with RLS, as well as large surface morphological alterations affecting the amygdala bilaterally and other less widespread surface changes in both hippocampi, the right caudate, the left globus pallidus, and the left putamen. CONCLUSIONS These findings seem to indicate that the basic mechanisms of RLS might include a pathway involving not only the hypothalamus-spinal dopaminergic circuit (nucleus A11), but also pathways including the basal ganglia and structures that are part of the limbic system; moreover, structural alterations in RLS seem to concern the morphology as well as the volume of the above structures. The role of basal ganglia in the complex neurophysiological and neurochemical mechanism of RLS needs to carefully reconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria P Mogavero
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Scientific Institute of Pavia, Italy
| | - Domenico M Mezzapesa
- Neurology Unit and Stroke Center, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Mariantonietta Savarese
- Neurology Unit and Stroke Center, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Lourdes M DelRosso
- Seattle Children's Hospital and University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Neurology I.C., Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Department of Neurology I.C., Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy.
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Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor disorder characterized by an urge to move that appears during rest or is exacerbated by rest, that occurs in the evening or night and that disappears during movement or is improved by movement. Symptoms vary considerably in age at onset, frequency and severity, with severe forms affecting sleep, quality of life and mood. Patients with RLS often display periodic leg movements during sleep or resting wakefulness. RLS is considered to be a complex condition in which predisposing genetic factors, environmental factors and comorbidities contribute to the expression of the disorder. RLS occurs alone or with comorbidities, for example, iron deficiency and kidney disease, but also with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and neurological, rheumatological and respiratory disorders. The pathophysiology is still unclear, with the involvement of brain iron deficiency, dysfunction in the dopaminergic and nociceptive systems and altered adenosine and glutamatergic pathways as hypotheses being investigated. RLS is poorly recognized by physicians and it is accordingly often incorrectly diagnosed and managed. Treatment guidelines recommend initiation of therapy with low doses of dopamine agonists or α2δ ligands in severe forms. Although dopaminergic treatment is initially highly effective, its long-term use can result in a serious worsening of symptoms known as augmentation. Other treatments include opioids and iron preparations.
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Fields T, Schoser B, Oertel W, Strupp M. Acetyl-DL-leucine improves restless legs syndrome: a case report. J Neurol 2021; 268:2595-2596. [PMID: 34052888 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10625-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Fields
- IntraBio Ltd, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX5 1PF, UK.
| | - Benedikt Schoser
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur Institute, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Oertel
- Deparment of Neurology, University Hospital Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
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Phenotypical predictors of pregnancy-related restless legs syndrome and their association with basal ganglia and the limbic circuits. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9996. [PMID: 33976261 PMCID: PMC8113250 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89360-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) in pregnancy is a common disorder with a multifactorial etiology. A neurological and obstetrical cohort of 308 postpartum women was screened for RLS within 1 to 6 days of childbirth and 12 weeks postpartum. Of the 308 young mothers, 57 (prevalence rate 19%) were identified as having been affected by RLS symptoms in the recently completed pregnancy. Structural and functional MRI was obtained from 25 of these 57 participants. A multivariate two-window algorithm was employed to systematically chart the relationship between brain structures and phenotypical predictors of RLS. A decreased volume of the parietal, orbitofrontal and frontal areas shortly after delivery was found to be linked to persistent RLS symptoms up to 12 weeks postpartum, the symptoms' severity and intensity in the most recent pregnancy, and a history of RLS in previous pregnancies. The same negative relationship was observed between brain volume and not being married, not receiving any iron supplement and higher numbers of stressful life events. High cortisol levels, being married and receiving iron supplements, on the other hand, were found to be associated with increased volumes in the bilateral striatum. Investigating RLS symptoms in pregnancy within a brain-phenotype framework may help shed light on the heterogeneity of the condition.
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黄 伟, 李 志, 吴 水, 洪 静, 文 戈. [Small-world network of patients with primary insomnia: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021; 41:424-429. [PMID: 33849835 PMCID: PMC8075793 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.03.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the changes of small-world network properties in patients with primary insomnia based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). OBJECTIVE The rs-MRI data and neurological scale data of 65 patients and 60 matched healthy controls were collected. The brain network was constructed using GRENTA software. SPSS software and network-based statistical analysis methods were used for statistical analysis. OBJECTIVE There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender or education level (P > 0.05), but PSQI, HAMA and HAMD scale scores differed significantly between the two groups (P < 0.05). Both of the groups showed attributes of the small-world network. Compared with the control group, the patients with insomnia showed lower Cp, γ, Eloc, λ, connectivity, and σ of the small world network (P < 0.05). OBJECTIVE Patients with primary insomnia have lower global and local efficiencies than healthy individuals, and their ability to transmit information on the surface topology is impaired. Our data provide objective imaging evidences for the neuropathological mechanism of patients with primary insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- 伟康 黄
- 南方医科大学南方医院增城分院(增城区中心医院),广东 广州 511340Zengcheng Branch of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 511340, China
| | - 志铭 李
- 广州医科大学第二附属医院,广东 广州 510260Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - 水天 吴
- 南方医科大学南方医院增城分院(增城区中心医院),广东 广州 511340Zengcheng Branch of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 511340, China
| | - 静静 洪
- 南方医科大学南方医院增城分院(增城区中心医院),广东 广州 511340Zengcheng Branch of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 511340, China
| | - 戈 文
- 南方医科大学南方医院增城分院(增城区中心医院),广东 广州 511340Zengcheng Branch of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 511340, China
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Tuovinen N, Stefani A, Mitterling T, Heidbreder A, Frauscher B, Gizewski ER, Poewe W, Högl B, Scherfler C. Functional connectivity and topology in patients with restless legs syndrome: a case-control resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Eur J Neurol 2020; 28:448-458. [PMID: 33032390 PMCID: PMC7820983 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background and purpose Functional connectivity studies revealed alterations within thalamic, salience, and default mode networks in restless legs syndrome patients. Methods Eighty‐two patients with restless legs syndrome (untreated, n = 30; on dopaminergic medication, n = 42; on alpha‐2‐delta ligands as mono‐ or polytherapy combined with dopaminergic medication, n = 10), and 82 individually age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were studied with resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Connectivity of 12 resting‐state networks was investigated with independent component analysis, and network topology was studied with graph methods among 410 brain regions. Results Patients with restless legs syndrome showed significantly higher connectivity within salience (p = 0.029), executive (p = 0.001), and cerebellar (p = 0.041) networks, as well as significantly lower (p < 0.05) cerebello‐frontal communication compared to controls. In addition, they had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) clustering coefficient and local efficiency in motor and frontal regions; lower clustering coefficient in the central sulcus; and lower local efficiency in the central opercular cortex, temporal, parieto‐occipital, cuneus, and occipital regions compared to controls. Untreated patients had significantly lower (p < 0.05) cerebello‐parietal communication compared to healthy controls. Connectivity between the thalamus and frontal regions was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in patients on dopaminergic medication compared to untreated patients and controls. Conclusions Networks with higher intranetwork connectivity (i.e., salience, executive, cerebellar) and lower cerebello‐frontal connectivity in the restless legs syndrome patients, as well as lower cerebello‐parietal connectivity in untreated patients, correspond to regions associated with attention, response inhibitory control, and processing of sensory information. Intact cerebello‐parietal communication and increased thalamic connectivity to the prefrontal regions in patients on dopaminergic medication suggests a treatment effect on thalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Tuovinen
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Division of Psychiatry I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - A Stefani
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - T Mitterling
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Neurologie 1, Kepler Universitätsklinikum GmbH, Neuromed Campus, Linz, Austria.,Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | - A Heidbreder
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - B Frauscher
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Analytical Neurophysiology Lab, Montreal Neurological Institute & Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - E R Gizewski
- Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - W Poewe
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - B Högl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - C Scherfler
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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