Effects of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation in patients with idiopathic Restless Legs Syndrome (iRLS)

Introduction: Several studies have indicated that patients with iRSL may have an increased spinal cord exictability. Thoracic transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tsDCS) is a noninvasive tool for spinal cord neuromodulation. This study aimed to establish a new safe method to modulate spinal excitability in iRLS patients and alleviate symptom severity.

Methods: This double-blind, crossover study evaluated the soleus Hmax/Mmax ratio, the soleus H reflex recovery curves, and symptom severity before, at current offset and 30 min after sham, andodal and cathodal transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (2.5 mA for 15 min, current density of 0.063 mA/cm2) in 14 patients with iRLS and 14 controls.

Results: We aim to finish the study soon and to present our first results.