Restless legs syndrome Microchapters Home Patient Information Overview Historical Perspective Classification Pathophysiology Causes Differentiating Restless legs syndrome from other Diseases Epidemiology and Demographics Risk Factors Screening Natural History, Complications and Prognosis Diagnosis Diagnostic Study of Choice History and Symptoms Physical Examination Laboratory Findings Electrocardiogram X-ray Echocardiography and Ultrasound CT scan MRI Other Imaging Findings Other Diagnostic Studies Treatment Medical Therapy Surgery Primary Prevention Secondary Prevention Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy Future or Investigational Therapies Case Studies Case #1 Restless legs syndrome diagnostic study of choice On the Web Most recent articles Most cited articles Review articles CME Programs Powerpoint slides Images American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Restless legs syndrome diagnostic study of choice All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov US National Guidelines Clearinghouse NICE Guidance FDA on Restless legs syndrome diagnostic study of choice CDC on Restless legs syndrome diagnostic study of choice Restless legs syndrome diagnostic study of choice in the news Blogs on Restless legs syndrome diagnostic study of choice Directions to Hospitals Treating Psoriasis Risk calculators and risk factors for Restless legs syndrome diagnostic study of choice Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamadmostafa Jahansouz M.D.[2] ## Overview[edit | edit source] Many times, because there is no single test that can diagnose restless leg syndrome, the diagnosis of restless leg syndrome may be missed. Restless leg syndrome is mainly diagnosed based on clinical presentation. Restless leg syndrome may be diagnosed at any time if one or more of the following criteria are met: 1. An urge to move the legs, accompanied with or caused by unpleasant sensations in the legs. Sometimes the urge is present without unpleasant sensations, and sometimes these sensations are present in arms. 2.Urge to move the legs is present when resting or inactive 3. Urge to move the legs is partially or totally relieved with movement. 4. Urge to move or unpleasant sensations are worse at night time as compared to day or only occur at night. ## Diagnostic Study of Choice[edit | edit source] ### Study of choice[edit | edit source] * Restless leg syndrome is mainly diagnosed based on clinical presentation. ### Diagnostic Criteria[edit | edit source] Many times, because there is no single test that can diagnose restless leg syndrome, the diagnosis of restless leg syndrome may be missed.[1] * Restless leg syndrome is mainly diagnosed based on clinical presentation. [2] * Restless leg syndrome may be diagnosed at any time if one or more of the following criteria are met: [1] 1. An urge to move the legs, accompanied with or caused by unpleasant sensations in the legs. Sometimes the urge is present without unpleasant sensations, and sometimes these sensations are present in arms. 2. Urge to move the legs is present when resting or inactive. 3. Urge to move the legs is partially or totally relieved with movement. 4. Urge to move or unpleasant sensations are worse at night time as compared to day or only occur at night. * Diagnosis of restless leg syndrome may be confirmed with:[1] * Family history * Positive response to dopaminergic drugs. * False positive diagnosis of restless leg syndrome have been reported in more than 10% of the investigated populations and include conditions such as:[1] * Nocturnal cramps * Various neuropathies * Reatless leg syndrome may be underdiagnosed because of poor recognition of symptoms. * No guideline has been published describing how the criteria should be applied, and there is a lack of information about how essential and supportive criteria or associated features are related. ## References[edit | edit source] 1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Fida A, Egbe S, Scheid DC, Welborn TL, McCarthy LH (2014). "In adults what is the best diagnostic test for restless leg syndrome?". J Okla State Med Assoc. 107 (8): 432–4. PMC 4734084. PMID 25326946.CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link) 2. ↑ Hening WA, Allen RP, Washburn M, Lesage SR, Earley CJ (2009). "The four diagnostic criteria for Restless Legs Syndrome are unable to exclude confounding conditions ("mimics")". Sleep Med. 10 (9): 976–81. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2008.09.015. PMC 2769267. PMID 19185537.CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link) Template:WH Template:WS