French Consensus: How to diagnose restless legs syndrome

Abstract

Correct diagnosis of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is essential to patient care and treatment. Diagnosis is most often clinical and based on diagnostic criteria: the need to move the legs accompanied to varying degrees by unpleasant sensations, predominantly during the evening and improved by movement. In rare cases, clinical examination is insufficient and a polysomnography is necessary. Once a positive diagnosis has been made, a neurological examination and an assessment of iron status are required. The severity of the RLS must be evaluated to determine whether a specific treatment is necessary. Before treatment, it is essential to ensure that a definite diagnosis of RLS has been made and the phenotype characterised. This enables a personal treatment plan and limits the risk of augmentation syndrome.

Keywords: Ferritin; Periodic limb movement disorder; Restless legs syndrome; Willis-Ekbom disease.