Restless legs syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common, but frequently undiagnosed, chronic, sensorimotor disorder. In western countries, it is seen in approximately 10% of the general population, with a higher prevalence in women and the elderly (10-20%).


OBJECTIVE
This article outlines the epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis and management of RLS. Information that is most relevant to general practice is presented, with an emphasis on practical management.


CONCLUSIONS
Restless legs syndrome is divided into primary and secondary forms. There is a strong genetic influence in primary RLS. Secondary forms are associated with iron deficiency, pregnancy, and renal failure. Diagnosis is essentially by clinical history using simple diagnostic criteria. Management depends on severity, and ranges from nonpharmacologic to pharmacologic measures. Recent research has provided insights into the pathophysiology of RLS and provided an evidence base for some of the newer treatments.
Yee
Brendon
B
Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales. brendony@med.usyd.edu.au
Killick
Roo
R
Wong
Keith
K
D000465:Algorithms; D000588:Amines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002230:Carbidopa / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015984:Causality; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007980:Levodopa / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010098:Oxycodone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000588:Amines; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D015259:Dopamine Agents; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D007980:Levodopa; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin; D010098:Oxycodone; D002230:Carbidopa