Restless legs syndrome: Detection and management in primary care

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurologic movement disorder that is ofte n associated with a sleep complaint. Patients with RLS have an irresistible urge to move their legs, which is usually due to disagreeable sensations t hat are worse during periods of inactivity and often interfere with sleep. It is estimated that between 2 and 15 percent of the population may experie nce symptoms of RLS, Primary RLS likely has a genetic origin. Secondary cau ses of RLS include iron deficiency. neurologic lesions, pregnancy and uremi a. RLS also may occur secondarily to the use of certain medications. The di agnosis of RLS is based primarily on the patient's history. A list of quest ions that may be used as a basis to assess the likelihood of RLS is include d in this article. Pharmacologic treatment of RLS includes dopaminergic age nts, opioids, benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants. The primary cam physicia n plays a central role in the diagnosis and management of RLS.