Restless Legs Syndrome

Introduction

Restless legs syndrome (RLS)—a term coined by Swedish neurologist Karl-Axel Ekbom1—is a sensory and movement disorder with a profound impact on sleep. The pulling, tugging, creepy-crawly, electric shock-like, bubbling, or jittery and not infrequently painful sensations are often difficult for patients to describe. Relief with movement of the affected limb—typically the legs and, not uncommonly, the arms—is one of the distinguishing features. Because of the exacerbation in symptoms with quiescence and the circadian properties of the condition, when people with RLS do seek medical attention, it is often because of their difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep.

The significance of RLS on quality of life and health is only now coming to light. Numerous studies have shown that the symptoms of RLS have a profound impact on quality of life of affected individuals, comparable with the effects of depression and diabetes.2-4 Disruption of personal and professional activities and relationships are not uncommon. Increased rates of cardiovascular disease5 hypertension6,7 and diabetes8 have recently been linked to RLS and PLMS.

Please see the following topics related to restless legs syndrome below, and available on the left side of this page.

• Primary and Secondary RLS
• Pathophysiology
• Epidemiology
• Diagnosis: Essential Criteria
• Diagnosis: Supportive Clinical Features
• Diagnosis: Associated Features
• Diagnosis: Rating Scales
• Treatment
• Nonpharmacologic Treatment
• Pharmacologic Treatment
• Dopaminergic Agents
• Dopamine Receptor Agonists
• Dopamine Precursor
• Benzodiazepines
• Opioids
• Anticonvulsants
• Other Medications
• Pharmacologic Therapy During Pregnancy
• Pharmacologic Therapy for Children with RLS
• References
• Restless Legs Syndrome: A Practical Guide to Diagnosis and Management

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RLS Slide Set	RLS Rating Scales	RLS Patient Fact Sheets	Anatomical Illustrations