Did a recent trial show active stimulation helps restless legs better than sham?
Recent research indicates that active electrical stimulation of the spinal cord can help manage restless legs syndrome (RLS) better than a placebo. A specific 2024 randomized trial compared active stimulation against a sham procedure and found clear benefits for patients receiving the real treatment.
What the research says
The active stimulation also led to better sleep quality than the sham treatment, with the active group showing a much larger drop in their Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score 4. Beyond just feeling better, the active treatment changed brain and spinal electrical activity in ways the sham did not, suggesting a real biological effect 4. Other studies focus on genetics or screening tools rather than active stimulation trials 12.
What to ask your doctor
- Could transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation be an option for my restless legs symptoms?
- How does active stimulation compare to other treatments for my specific case?
- What are the potential side effects of active spinal cord stimulation?
- Is this treatment covered by my insurance plan?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Pulmonology & Critical Care and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.