Letter: Myoclonus in familial restless legs syndrome.

Abstract

To the Editor.— In the recent article, Myoclonus in Familial Restless Legs Syndrome ( Arch Neurol 33:368, 1976), Boghen and Peyronnard refer to symptoms including an unpleasant sensation in the legs and an associated urge to move them, occurring at rest and relieved by walking. I wish to point out the similarity between the clinical manifestations of the familial restlesslegs syndrome and those of phenothiazineinduced akathisia. The latter is characterized by an inability to sit still, intolerance of inactivity, continuous agitation and restless movement, rocking and shifting of weight while standing, and shifting of legs and tapping of feet while sitting. 1 The use of antiparkinsonian drugs has been recommended in the treatment of phenothiazineinduced akathisia. 2 A trial of an antiparkinsonian drug, such as procyclidine, in the treatment of familial restless legs syndrome might be worthwhile.