Restless legs syndrome

Characterised by a compulsive urge to move the legs.

Accompanied by dysaesthesias described as creeping, crawling, tingling, cramping, or aching of the extremities.

Symptoms are usually worse during rest and in the evening, and are temporarily improved with movement.

Lower extremities are affected more than upper extremities.

Treatment includes non-pharmacological interventions, dopamine agonists, opioids, benzodiazepines, or neuroleptic agents.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an urge to move the legs accompanied by symptoms of dysaesthesias, such as creeping, crawling, tingling, cramping, or aching of the extremities, primarily in the lower extremities. The dysaesthesias occur more often at rest and in the evening and are temporarily improved with movement. This can cause initiation and maintenance insomnia resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness.[1]Allen RP, Picchietti DL, Garcia-Borreguero D, et al; International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group. Restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease diagnostic criteria: updated International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) consensus criteria - history, rationale, description, and significance. Sleep Med. 2014 Aug;15(8):860-73. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25023924?tool=bestpractice.com