Restless legs syndrome: diagnosis and review of management options

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Authors: Ruth Byrne, Smita Sinha, K Ray Chaudhuri

Published Date February 2006 Volume 2006:2(2) Pages 155 - 164

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S

Ruth Byrne^2,3, Smita Sinha², K Ray Chaudhuri^1,2

¹Movement Disorders Unit, Kings College Hospital; ²University Hospital Lewisham; ³Guy’s King’s and St Thomas’ School of Medicine, London, UK

Abstract: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is one of the commonest movement disorders affecting sleep and also daytime functioning. The prevalence may be 8%–10% of the white Caucasian population. The diagnosis is simple and is based on a well-validated clinical questionnaire, yet misdiagnosis is common and the condition remains underdiagnosed and consequently inappropriately treated, often causing great distress to the sufferers. In spite of robust evidence for effective treatment of RLS, patients may often be told to “put up with the symptoms” and suffer the consequence of years of poor sleep which may lead to major lifestyle changes. This review addresses the diagnostic issues, the differential diagnosis, and the evidence base for treatment of the common condition.

Keywords: restless legs syndrome, Ekbom’s syndrome, periodic limb movement, dopaminergic