Updating restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor disorder that is usually associated with significant sleep, disturbance and daytime complaints potentially leading to increased co-morbid health risks RLS is diagnosed by fulfilling the following four criteria (1) an urge to move, usually associated with paresthesias, (2) onset or exacerbation of symptoms at rest, (3) relief of symptoms with movement, and (4) symptoms manifest in a circadian; pattern Adults and children can suffer from RLS and there is a genetic predisposition manifesting with an earlier age of onset of RLS symptoms, usually before the age of 45: years A variety of conditions may mimic RLS so it is important to differentiate these during evaluation of the patient Treatment of RLS includes Iron supplementation, dopaminergic agents (DA), optoids, benzodiazepines, and; anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) DA demonstrate the largest treatment effect and include the only two FDA-approved drugs in the United States to treat RLS Iron, supplementation in RLS patients who are found to be iron deficient may be beneficial as well However, each of the treatment options, including the use of DA, must be considered on a case-by-case basis taking into account, symptom severity and side effect profiles Increased recognition and management of RLS, an often debilitating. condition, can lead to an improved quality-of-life and potentially improved overall health for the many who suffer from RLS