Restless leg syndrome

Alternative names:

nocturnal myoclonus; RLS

Symptoms:

• sleeping difficulty
• persistent leg movements during sleep hours
• irresistible urge to move the legs
• abnormal sensation in the legs (occasionally, feet, thighs, arms)
  • creeping sensations or discomfort (not pain, not cramps) relieved by movement of the legs
  • may occur during the day
  • worse when lying down

Note: symptoms may be worse during stress or emotional upset.

Signs and tests:

An examination is nonspecific for RLS. No structural or other abnormalities are usually discovered unless peripheral nerve disease is also present. AN examination and testing may be used to rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms, especially disorders associated with claudication of the legs.