Dr. Shahzad Maqbool is a renowned Neurosurgeon working as a consultant at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Being one of the best neurosurgeons in the Abu Dhabi,UAE he holds experience of more than 20 years. His graduation was pursued from Allama Iqbal Medical College Lahore , followed by post-graduation from the reputed Government Degree College, Sheikhupura Pakistan. Dr. Maqbool has worked with one of the largest hospitals in Pakistan, Mayo Hospital. He also worked as a Medical officer in Rural Health Centre, Pakistan. He served as a Senior Resident Medical Officer in Kitwe Central Hospital, Zambia. His medical career continued in Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, and Kimberley Hospital Complex. He is recognized for both national and international publications in accredited indexed journals. He has been recognized for his contribution to several local and international workshops and conferences held in South Africa, the USA, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, KSA. He specializes in the treatment of Epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Temporal Lobectomy, Lesionectomy, Hemispherectomy, Corpus Callosotomy, Vagus Nerve Stimulation, Multiple Subpial Transections MST, and VNS implantation.
Restless Legs Syndrome
It is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to maneuver your legs thanks to an uncomfortable sensation. It occurs at the evening or night hours when you're sitting or lying down. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling for some time. It is also referred to as Willis-Ekbom disease that can begin at any age and generally worsens as you grow old. It can disrupt sleep and interfere with daily activities.
Symptoms
The major symptom is an urge to move the legs, while some others include:
· Sensations that begin after rest
· Relief with movement
· Worsening of symptoms in the evening
· Nighttime leg twitching
People generally experience symptoms as abnormal, unpleasant sensations in their legs or feet.
Treatment
At times, treating any underlying condition such as iron deficiency greatly relieves symptoms of RLS. It may be done by using iron supplementation orally or intravenously under a doctor's prescription.
Medications
· Medications that increase dopamine in the brain
· Drugs affecting calcium channels
· Opioids
· Muscle relaxants and sleep medications
Caution about medications
Sometimes medications that have worked for a while to relieve your RLS become ineffective after few days. This is known as augmentation. Your medicines will be substituted by another medication to combat the problem.
Most drugs prescribed to treat RLS are not recommended during pregnancy. Instead, some self-care techniques will be recommended to relieve symptoms. However, the sensations are particularly bothersome during the last trimester and the doctor may recommend the use of certain drugs. RLS may get worsen due to some medicines like antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, anti-nausea drugs, and cold and allergy medications.
Take Away
Some simple lifestyle changes and home remedies can help in alleviating the pain. Try baths and massages, apply warm or cool packs, establish good sleep hygiene, exercise, avoid caffeine and consider using a foot wrap. These small changes may give results you haven’t thought of. Talk to your doctor as soon as you observe the symptoms. Timely care may not worsen your case. For excellent treatment and consultation contact Neurosurgeon, Dr. Shahzad Maqbool from Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE. He is one among the simplest neurosurgeons within the country.