The usual course of RLS is that condition is present for life, and can worsen over time. RLS and PLMS are among those conditions described as due to a "chemical imbalance" in brain. The abnormality does not show up on MRI scans, CT scans, electroencephalograms (EEGs), spinal taps or blood tests.

Although no cure yet exists, treatment can reduce symptoms and improve function. While medications are mainstay of treatment, many patients find that physical maneuvers improve their symptoms, like rubbing their legs or periodically getting up and walking around.

Choice of medication depends on what else is going on with patient. In some cases RLS is due to another condition in need of its own treatment, like iron deficiency, anemia, diabetes, nerve damage or advanced kidney disease. Pregnancy can also induce RLS, though in this situation symptoms usually resolve after woman delivers.

The most common form of RLS occurs without evidence of a second, underlying condition, except for a possible genetic link to relatives with RLS. In these patients drugs that boost dopamine—one of brain's chemical transmitters—are first choice. These are same drugs used in Parkinson's disease, another condition in which dopamine is in short supply. However, for most part, two diseases are otherwise unrelated.

Dopamine-blocking drugs—comprising most of anti-nausea and anti-psychotic medications—can have unintended consequence of worsening symptoms. For example, in author's practice, a young woman with RLS went to an emergency room because of a migraine attack. She received an intravenous dose of dopamine-blocker promethazine (brand name Phenergan) and this made her legs acutely restless and uncomfortable. In another case, an elderly woman with memory loss and agitation received risperidone (Risperdal) and this caused RLS symptoms that had not been present previously.

Certain drugs that also serve as anticonvulsants, like gabapentin (Neurontin) and clonazepam (Klonopin), can help. Painkillers also work, and probably do so by interacting with a specific set of painkiller receptors in brain, rather than just dulling symptoms. However, because treatment is generally needed over a long period of time, painkillers are not usual treatments of first choice.

This essay only brushes surface of this fascinating condition. To learn more, visit website of aptly named We Move organization.

(C) 2005 by Gary Cordingley

Conventional treatment for symptoms of gout is anti-inflammatory drug colchicine. Isolated from autumn crocus, colchicine has a strong effect to combat inflammation (though it has no effect on uric acid levels!). This provides most sufferers relief within day, although drug may be difficult for many to tolerate due to digestive side effects.

To prevent gout attacks, following lifestyle should be considered:

• Avoid alcohol, a major influence in initiating attacks. • Follow a low-purine diet. This includes organ meats, meat, shellfish, yeast, and sardines, mackerel, etc. • Reduce excess food intake including processed carbohydrates, excess fat and excess protein.

If you find yourself or your loved one suffering from a gout attack, it is unlikely you would hesitate to seek professional help. The pain of an acute gout attack has been compared to pain of childbirth.

However, gout sufferers are overwhelmingly (95%) male.