Wang Zairan, Li Zhimin, Wang Jingjing, Gao Jun, Li Yongning
Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing Dongcheng District, Beijing 100000, China.
Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 West Heping Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China.
Postgrad Med J. 2025 Jun 22;101(1197):596-602. doi: 10.1093/postmj/qgae156.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, with pathogenesis involving genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Recent advancements in imaging techniques have provided valuable insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of RLS.
To synthesize recent research on white matter fiber alterations in RLS and their role in disease pathology.
This review synthesized recent research on RLS, focusing on neuroimaging findings, particularly white matter fiber alterations, and their implications for disease mechanisms. Studies involving structural and functional MRI were analyzed.
Imaging studies suggested that RLS was associated with white matter integrity changes, affecting areas linked to sensory and motor control. These alterations may reflect disruptions in central nervous system pathways regulating movement.
White matter changes provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of RLS, enhancing our understanding of the disorder and potentially guiding future therapeutic strategies.
