Migraines and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are two conditions that can cause a lot of discomfort and disruption in someone’s life.
While these two conditions may seem worlds apart, they have a few things in common. Both conditions can be triggered by stress, fatigue, or certain medications. They also prove a real diagnostic challenge, with clinicians and experts uncertain where to look for causes and clearly defined symptom clusters. Fortunately, people suffering from either condition experience significant symptom relief when treated with ketamine in a clinical setting.
What Are Migraines?
A migraine is a type of headache usually characterized by throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea.
Migraines can last for hours or even days and can be so severe that it’s impossible to carry on with everyday activities. Some people only get migraines occasionally, while others may have them several times a month.
There are several possible causes of migraines, including genetics, hormones, stress, and certain foods or beverages. Migraines can also be triggered by a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
- Bright lights
- Glare
- Sunlight
- Fluorescent lights
- Computer screens
- Television screens
- Flickering lights
- Certain smells
- Strong odors
- Perfumes
- Cigarette smoke
These are just a few environmental triggers. Some other common causes of migraines are as follows:
Weather and Barometric Pressure Changes
Weather-related migraines are more common in people who are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure. These migraines are often associated with thunderstorms, high winds, and other weather events.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Sleeping too much or too little can trigger a migraine. This is often the case in people who have jet lag or work night shifts.
Physical Activity
Exercising too strenuously or doing activities that raise your heart rate can cause a migraine. This is more common in people who are not used to physical activity.
Stress
Migraines are often brought on by stress. This can be from work-related pressure, family problems, or financial difficulties.
Medications
Some medications can trigger migraines, including over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin and prescription medications such as blood thinners and birth control pills.
What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome is a condition that causes an unpleasant sensation in the legs, which can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
The sensation is often described as a crawling, creeping, or tingling sensation.
People with RLS often feel the urge to move their legs to relieve the sensation. This can make it challenging to get a good night’s sleep, leading to fatigue and daytime sleepiness.
RLS is thought to be caused by an imbalance of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate movement and emotion. An imbalance of dopamine can cause problems with movement, which may explain RLS symptoms. Other possible causes include genetics and iron deficiency.
RLS is more common in women than men, and the condition usually starts when the patient is middle-aged. However, children and older adults can also be affected.
There is no cure for RLS, but there are a few treatments that can help relieve symptoms.
Some people find relief from taking medications like dopaminergic agents or iron supplements. Others find relief from lifestyle modifications like avoiding caffeine and alcohol, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
There are a few things that can increase your risk of developing RLS, including:
Genetics
If you have a family member with RLS, you’re more likely to develop the condition.
Iron Deficiency
Anemia is a common cause of RLS. This is because iron is needed for the production of dopamine.
Pregnancy
RLS is common in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester. It’s thought that this may be due to changes in hormone levels during pregnancy.
Certain Medications
Some medications can worsen RLS symptoms, including antipsychotics, antidepressants, and certain cold and allergy medications.
The Prevalence of Migraines and RLS
Migraines are a common condition, with an estimated 36 million Americans experiencing them at least once a year.
RLS also puts a significant dent in the population, with an estimated 10%-15% affected. However, like migraines, the true prevalence of RLS is unknown because many people do not seek treatment.
The Relationship Between Migraines and RLS
It’s unclear why migraines and RLS are often linked, but there are a few theories.
One theory is that the imbalance of dopamine in the brain that causes RLS may also play a role in migraines. Another theory is that the pain and discomfort of migraines can lead to restless legs syndrome.
There is some evidence that treating RLS can help improve symptoms of migraines. For example, dopaminergic agents, which are medications that increase dopamine levels in the brain, have been shown to be effective for treating both conditions. Iron supplements, which are used to treat iron deficiency anemia, have also been shown to help treat migraines.
Ketamine Therapy for Migraines and RLS
Although there is no cure for migraines or restless leg syndrome, ketamine therapy offers a groundbreaking new treatment option for both conditions.
Ketamine is a medication that works by blocking nerve signals in the brain. In addition, ketamine therapy is fast-acting and has a low risk of side effects.
In one study, people treated with ketamine for migraines had a significant reduction in the number of headaches they experienced. Ketamine was also found to be effective in reducing the severity of migraine symptoms.
Another study found that ketamine was effective in treating RLS. People treated with ketamine reported significant improvement, with complete resolution of symptoms in several patients. Ketamine was also found to be more effective than other medications used to treat RLS.
Final Thoughts
Migraines and restless legs syndrome are common conditions that can be difficult to live with. Thankfully, there are treatments available that can help, including ketamine therapy, a safe and effective treatment for migraines and RLS.
Researchers have found that ketamine, when given in an appropriate non-sedative dose, can help patients that are not receiving benefits from traditional treatment. Our experienced team of providers is here to tailor a personalized treatment plan for your unique case. Revive Ketamine Clinic is here to help. Contact us today.
