Restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by a compulsive urge to move the legs.

Sometimes associated with dysesthesias that are 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 nonpharmacologic interventions, levodopa/carbidopa, dopamine agonists, opioids, benzodiazepines/benzodiazepine receptor agonists, or gabapentinoids.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an urge to move the legs, often associated with dysesthesias, such as creeping, crawling, tingling, cramping, or aching of the extremities, primarily in the lower extremities. The urge to move occurs more often at rest and in the evening, and is temporarily improved with movement. This can cause initiation and maintenance insomnia resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.[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 Other clinical consequences include mood and anxiety disorders, worsening health-related quality of life, and loss of work productivity.[2]Winkelman JW, Armstrong MJ, Allen RP, et al. Practice guideline summary: treatment of restless legs syndrome in adults - report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2016 Dec 13;87(24):2585-93. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5206998 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27856776?tool=bestpractice.com