RLS researcher Julian Mollin receives German Children's Sleep Award 2024

At the congress of the German Society for Sleep Medicine (DGSM), Julian Mollin was awarded the Children's Sleep Prize 2024 for his outstanding work. He received the award for his published results and the overall project 'Frequency Analysis of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in Children and Adolescents'.

An important part of this project was the development of an algorithm for diagnosing RLS in children and adolescents. This algorithm, based on a sound combination of trial data, clinical experience and relevant literature, provides a structured approach that leads to a consistent and accurate diagnosis. At the same time, it helps to make informed treatment decisions that meet the individual needs of young RLS patients.

Mollin's research is helping to raise awareness of RLS in children and adolescents and to improve medical care for this patient group.

The study results (in German) can be found here: https://www.springermedizin.de/content/pdfId/27378714/10.1007/s11818-024-00471-6

EARLS at the Brain Innovation Days in Brussels

On 13-14 November 2024, EARLS President Katharina Glanz attended the Brain Innovation Days (BIDs2024) in Brussels. This was a great opportunity not only to participate in a number of exciting brain talks, panel discussions, poster and innovation presentations, but also for many inspiring discussions with partners such as EFNA and for networking. EARLS is committed to raising awareness of RLS and thus contributing to a better understanding of this invisible disease. Special thanks to the European Brain Council for making participation possible.

EARLS Advocates for RLS Awareness at MEP Interest Group Meeting

On 12 November 2024 EARLS Vice President Julian Spinks attended the Meeting of the MEP Interest Group on Brain Health & Neurological Conditions in Brussels. He spoke about the problems of patients with Restless Legs Syndrome, a common but ‘invisible’ neurological disorder. As we know, the invisibility of RLS symptoms contributes to the stigmatisation of the patients.
EARLS is committed to raising awareness of RLS and thus contributing to a better understanding of this invisible disease.

World RLS Day 2024: Interview with Julian Mollin

23 September is World RLS Day. This year we want to use our activities to raise awareness that children can also suffer from RLS/WED. RLS/WED is a neurological disorder with a genetic component and often runs in families. Like adults, children with RLS tend to relieve their symptoms by moving their legs. Parents or healthcare providers often mistakenly label the child's discomfort as "growing pains". In the classroom, attempts to relieve the discomfort of RLS may be interpreted as inattentiveness, hyperactivity or disruptive behaviour. How common is RLS in children, how is it diagnosed and how is it treated? Learn more in our new video with paediatrician Julian Mollin.

Today, July 22, is World Brain Day

Today is World Brain Day. EARLS would like to use this day to highlight the fact that Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS, WED) is one of the most common neurological conditions with a high burden of disease, yet is under-prioritised in healthcare and funding programmes.
Together, we have the power to make a difference and ensure that no one is left behind! 🧠💪

EARLS Scholarship presented to Angelica Montini at the European Academy of Neurology Congress in Helsinki

At the European Academy of Neurology Congress in Helsinki, EARLS Vice President Julian Spinks presented the EARLS Scholarship to Angelica Montini, a young Italian researcher, for her outstanding work in the field of Restless Legs Syndrome.

Angelica Montini, PhD student at the Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy, has been awarded the pan-European patient-funded EARLS Scholarship for her research project "Biomarkers of Inflammation in Restless Legs Syndrome (iRLS)". The prize, awarded for the first time this year by the European Alliance for Restless Legs Syndrome (EARLS), is aimed at scientists who have made outstanding contributions to Restless Legs Syndrome research.

Big news ✨ Over 300 RLS-Experts all over Europe are registered in our Expert Finder!

With enormous #commitment and tireless #dedication, we have curated medical facilities, practices, national associations, sleep laboratories and RLS #supportgroups that are particularly excellent and reliable #RLS specialists.

They can be found all over #Europe in our interactive map and are dedicated to help improve the #qualityoflife of RLS patients in the long term.

The map and more information can be found on www.earls.eu/expert-finder

We are grateful to Pain Alliance Europe and the sponsors Boston Scientific, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson and Die Grünenthal Gruppe for their support in the project's realisation.

Angelica Montini wins pan-European patient-funded EARLS Scholarship

Angelica Montini, PhD student at the Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy, has been awarded the pan-European patient-funded EARLS Scholarship for her research project "Biomarkers of Inflammation in Restless Legs Syndrome (iRLS)". The prize, awarded for the first time this year by the European Alliance for Restless Legs Syndrome (EARLS), is aimed at scientists who have made outstanding contributions to Restless Legs Syndrome research. The prize is valued at 10,000 Euros and will be handled over at the EAN Congress in Helsinki in June.

EARLS at I disturbi del sonno in eta' evolutiva e adulta - Event

Trento (Italy), 13 April 2024: As part of a great lecture event on sleep disorders in children and adults with a focus on obstructive sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome, insomnia and dental sleep medicine, there was also an opportunity to present the EARLS and its work. A particular focus was on the Expert Finder project. Our Expert Finder aims to give people with RLS across Europe the opportunity to find support in their region. Through a qualified diagnosis in the sleep laboratory, through therapy, or the exchange with other affected persons, both sleep and quality of life of RLS patients can be significantly improved in the long term.

New EARLS Board elected

Elections for the new EARLS Board took place on 20 February.

The current board was confirmed in their positions and Katharina Glanz (Germany) was re-elected as president, Ana Jimenez Velilla (Spain) as vice-president and Mirose Gard Contet (France) as treasurer. Julian Spinks from RLS-UK, who represents EARLS on the EFNA board, was newly appointed to the EARLS Board.

World RLS Day, 23 September: 10th Anniversary

On 23 September 2023, we will celebrate World RLS Day for the 10th time across Europe. 23 September is the birthday of Swedish neurologist Karl-Axel Ekbom. He gave the name to what is now known as Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), which affects up to 10% of the population.

The 10th anniversary of World RLS Day is a good opportunity to raise awareness of Restless Legs Syndrome and the problems associated with it, together with patients, their families and partners.

Together, we want to use World RLS Day to show those affected that they have a disease that has a name and can be treated. It is also important for us to show that you are not alone with the disease, that people talk about it and that you can learn to cope with it. And that self-help can be an important way to manage and overcome the disease. World RLS Day also highlights the many advances that have been made in raising awareness and improving care for people with RLS. But there is still much to be done.