What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?

Spinal Nerve Damage

Spinal nerve damage may sometimes increase an individual's risk of developing restless legs syndrome. The way the condition affects someone depends largely on what kind of damage was done to the nerves, how extensive it is, and how it affects their body. Patients who have lesions on their spinal cord have a higher likelihood of developing RLS. Similarly, if individuals have anesthesia administered to their spinal cord, that can increase their risk of developing restless legs syndrome. It's not commonly understood why RLS is related to spinal nerve damage, but one theory is that nerve damage interrupts the signals between the brain and legs, which can lead to symptoms.