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Restless Legs Syndrome

Denise Sharon, PhD, MD, FAASM and Rochelle Zak, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Sensorimotor disorder consisting of a strong, nearly irresistible urge to move the limbs. Legs are usually affected initially, but may involve arms or other body parts.

  • The symptoms b...

DIAGNOSIS

Clinical, based on Hx, “difficult to describe.” All criteria must be met for RLS diagnosis (3)[C]: 
  • An urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by or thought to be caused by uncomfortable ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • If iron insufficient, supplement (2)[C]:

    • 325 mg FeSO4+100 mg Vitamin C qhs

    • Repletion requires months till serum ferritin >75 ng/mL and Tsat >16%.

    • IV iron: LMWD 1000mg, fe...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • At 1-4-w intervals until stable and then annually

  • If taking iron, reassess iron stores, at least ferritin.

  • If status changes, assess for augmentat...

REFERENCES

1
Picchietti  DL, Hensley  JG, Bainbridge  JL, et al; for International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group. Consensus clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis a...

ADDITIONAL READING

Silber MH, Buchfuhrer MJ, Earley CJ, Manconi M, Winkelman JW for Scientific and Medical Advisory Board of the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation. The management of RLS: an...

SEE ALSO

  • Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)

  • International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group: irlssg.org

CODES

ICD10

G25.81 Restless legs syndrome 

SNOMED

32914008 Restless legs (disorder) 

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Iron supplement is an often well-tolerated, easily available treatment for RLS.

  • Alpha-2-deltas (gabapentinoids) should be considered as initial therapy.

  • To avoid augmentation, titrate DA...

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