Restless legs syndrome

1. Big picture

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is the most frequent sleep-related movement disorder. It causes an unpleasant urge to move the legs, usually in the evening or at night, especially during rest. Movement gives temporary relief.

The key exam sentence:

Restless legs syndrome is a clinical diagnosis based on an urge to move the legs, worse at rest, relieved by movement, and maximal in the evening or night.

The most important exam trap:

RLS is often secondary, so always look for iron deficiency, pregnancy, renal failure/uremia, polyneuropathy, radiculopathy, Parkinson disease, and provoking drugs.

2. Definition

Restless legs syndrome is a neurological senso