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What are the diagnostic criteria for Restless legs syndrome (RLS)?
RLS is a clinical diagnosis that is characterized by an urge to move the legs that is usually accompanied by unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the lower (and occasionally the upper) extremities before sleep onset (and sometimes at other times as well).
This sensation is typically described as a “crawling” or “creeping” feeling, and it resolves temporarily when the involved extremities are moved.
The urge to move the legs begins or worsens during periods of rest or inactivity and occurs exclusively in the evening or night rather than during the day.
The diagnosis is made clinically.
PSG is not required to make the diagnosis.
Sources
- Aurora RN, Zak RS, Maganti RK, et al.: Best practice guide for the treatment of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). J Clin Sleep Med 6(1):85-95, 2010.
- Ohayon MM, Caulet M, Priest RG: Violent behavior during sleep. J Clin Psychiatry 58:369-376, 1997.
