Objective: We aimed to assess the prevalence of RLS in patients with brain stroke and assess its impact on sleep and quality of life. We also assessed its relationship with demographics, stroke sub-type and comorbidities.

Background: Willis Eckbome syndrome or RLS results in an irresistible urge to move one’s legs at rest, affecting sleep.5 to 15% of the population experience RLS. It can occur as a primary condition or secondary to medical conditions like anemia, neuropathy, renal dysfunction. Recent studies have suggested RLS to be associated with brain stroke.

Method: This cross-sectional observational study done in a rural tertiary care medical teaching hospital, in between January 2021 to August 2022, assessed the quality of life [using PHQ-9, Patient Health Questionnaire] and sleepiness [using Epworth Sleepiness Scale] in stroke patients with/without RLS [diagnosed using IRLSSG diagnostic criteria]. A total of 106 patients with stroke were included, and their demographic profile and stroke-related details were recorded. Stroke severity was assessed by NIHSS [National Institute of Health Stroke Scale], type of stroke [bleed/ infarct; by brain magnetic resonance imaging] and ischemic stroke classified by TOAST classification. The demographic profile including age, gender, co-morbidities, location of stroke, laterality of stroke, etiology and onset of RLS in relation to stroke was recorded.

Results: The prevalence of RLS was 15.1% in stroke patients, with a higher prevalence among older, female, unilateral, and hemorrhagic stroke patients.Three-fourth of patients with stroke and RLS had onset of RLS after stroke. Patients with RLS had significantly higher PHQ-9 and ESS scores, and these scores increased with the severity of RLS. The correlation between the severity of RLS and quality of life and sleepiness was statistically significant. There was no significant relationship between RLS and presence or absence of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, dyslipidemia, subtype of ischemic stroke, or stroke severity as per NIHSS.

Conclusion: Nearly 15% of stroke patients suffer from RLS. RLS leads to poor quality of life and increased daytime sleepiness which can impact stroke recovery. Screening all stroke patients for RLS may have a significant impact on public health. Screening and treating RLS in individuals with stroke may prevent post stroke distress in these patients.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/post-stroke-restless-limb-syndrome-and-its-impact-on-sleep-and-life-quality-in-patients-in-rural-gujarat-india/