How is restless legs syndrome diagnosed?

The diagnosis of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is primarily based on the patient's symptoms and a thorough medical history.

Here are the key diagnostic criteria for RLS:

1. Motor Symptoms:

- An irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations such as tingling, crawling, aching, or burning in the legs.

2. Time of Occurrence:

- The symptoms usually worsen in the evening or at night and may improve during the daytime.

3. Relief with Movement:

- Moving the legs, such as walking or stretching, temporarily relieves the symptoms.

4. Sleep Disturbance:

- RLS can cause difficulty falling asleep (sleep onset insomnia) or maintaining sleep (sleep maintenance insomnia).

Additional diagnostic considerations:

- Blood tests or imaging is typically unnecessary for RLS diagnosis unless other conditions are being ruled out.

- A detailed medical history is taken to exclude other potential causes of the symptoms.

- Doctors may inquire about factors like iron deficiency, medications that can worsen RLS symptoms, and family history of RLS.

In certain cases, a sleep study (polysomnography) may be recommended to evaluate sleep patterns and rule out other sleep disorders that could contribute to the symptoms.

The diagnostic process involves a combination of assessing symptoms, ruling out other medical conditions, and considering individual factors to ensure an accurate diagnosis of restless legs syndrome.