Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a syndrome of spontaneous, continuous lower limb movements that may be associated with paraesthesia.

Epidemiology:

• It is extremely common, affecting between 2-10% of the population.
• Males and females are equally affected and

Risk factors:

• Conditions associated with iron deficiency (ESRD, malabsorption, under nutrition, bleeding etc)
• uraemia
• pregnancy
• diabetes mellitus
• family Hx - autosomal dominant, in 50% of patients with idiopathic RLS
• medications - antidepressants, antihistamines, metoclopramide

PC

• uncontrollable urge to move legs (akathisia). Symptoms initially occur at night but as condition progresses may occur during the day. Symptoms are worse at rest
• paraesthesias e.g. 'crawling' or 'throbbing' sensations
• movements during sleep may be noted by the partner - periodic limb movements of sleeps (PLMS)

Investigations