Abstract

WILLIS-EKBOM DISEASE AND IRON METABOLISM, A DELICATE BALANCE -A REVIEW

K. Amrutha*, Y. Himasree, K. Hariprasath and L. Siddhartha

ABSTRACT

Willis-Ekbom disease (WED) is a neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable or odd sensations in the body that prompt an incessant urge to move legs. The prevalence of WED is estimated to be between 5-10% of the population. This disorder is associated with reduced dopamine uptake and reduced dopamine-2 receptor density. However ferritin levels also play a major role in occurrence of WED. The treatment involves usage of dopamine based therapies and iron supplements. In this paper, we will review briefly about relation between iron metabolism and dopamine levels that influences Willis-Ekbom Disease.

Keywords: Willis- Ekbom Disease, dopamine, ferritin, neurological disorder, odd sensations.