title: The mysteries of restless legs syndrome.
abstract: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder characterized by the uncontrollable urge to move the legs. This urge can often be accompanied by pain or other unpleasant sensations, and it either occurs or worsens with rest. Affecting an estimated 6% to 15% of the adult population, RLS compromises the patient's ability to sleep and can significantly decrease quality of life. Because diagnosis currently relies solely on patient (or caregiver) interview, recognizing the symptoms of RLS and knowing what medications treat this condition--as well as the many that exacerbate it--is important for all health care practitioners.
authors.forename: Caren McHenry
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004298:Dopamine / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000502:physiology; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012306:Risk
chemical_list: D007501:Iron; D004298:Dopamine