Did you know that PatientsLikeMe is located up in Boston? For us New Englanders, the end of September isn’t just about falling leaves and colder weather; it’s also about Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) Awareness Day. On September 23rd, medical organizations all across the world will join together to raise awareness for this health condition, which affects ten percent of people in the United States and millions more in other countries.[1]
RLS, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease (WED), is a neurological condition that primarily affects a patient’s legs and causes an irresistible urge to move them to relieve unpleasant sensations. All this week, we are encouraging everyone to help raise awareness and share their experiences with RLS. And we’re not the only ones – the Willis-Ekbom Disease Foundation is spreading the word by launching a brand-new website to teach people everything there is to know about RLS. The International RLS Study Group is also participating in a series of conferences in Valencia and Vienna to share research findings and other information with the worldwide medical community.
There are more than 1,500 members in the RLS community on PatientsLikeMe who are sharing their experiences with medication, side affects, symptom management and more. Together, we’re learning about RLS and what it’s like to live with this neurological condition.
Find and connect with other patients like you in our neurological and brain forums, and click here to get the full scoop on RLS Awareness Day.
[1] http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm
