title: Internal medicine: guidance to the diagnosis and management of restless legs syndrome.
abstract: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a chronic neurologic disorder, with a prevalence rate in the general population of 5% to 10%. The diagnosis of RLS is straightforward; it is based on symptom history alone and uses the four essential diagnostic criteria for RLS. Owing to the heterogeneity of the disorder, the sensory and motor symptoms of RLS are often attributed to other disorders, and many patients remain undiagnosed and untreated. The symptoms of RLS are thought to result from a central dopaminergic dysfunction. Dopamine agonists are considered first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe primary RLS, although other nondopaminergic therapies are sometimes used to ease the symptoms of RLS. This article will guide primary care and internal medicine specialists through the diagnosis and management options of primary RLS.
authors.affiliation: Walla Walla Clinic Research Department, Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA. eric.ball@wallawallaclinic.com
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ball
authors.forename: Christine K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Caivano
mesh_terms: D052160:Benzothiazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019091:Critical Pathways; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007388:Internal Medicine; D007980:Levodopa / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017286:Polysomnography; D000077487:Pramipexole; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D052160:Benzothiazoles; D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D007211:Indoles; C046649:ropinirole; D007980:Levodopa; D000077487:Pramipexole