What are the diagnostic criteria for RLS?
A diagnosis of restless legs syndrome requires an interview of the patient to confirm whether or not they are experiencing the four key signs of RLS, in addition to any other symptoms. Since RLS is easily mistaken for other illnesses, additional examination of the patient may be necessary.
RLS is diagnosed based on symptoms expressed by the patient. Therefore, it may be a good idea to be able to report your symptoms as accurately as possible. Writing down your symptoms may be helpful in order to convey them clearly to your doctor.
Overall supervision by Dr. Yuichi Inoue
Professor, Department of Somnology, Tokyo Medical University
Director, Yoyogi Sleep Disorder Center, Tokyo, Japan
Checklist for when consulting your doctor
Four key signs of restless legs syndrome
Examples of RLS symptoms
Location of symptoms
When the symptoms appear
Actions that relieve symptoms
Change in symptoms after taking action
Time of day symptoms appear
While sleeping
Since the patient's reported symptoms form the basis of an RLS diagnosis, it is necessary to rule out similar symptoms for other diseases. Along with accurately conveying the discomfort felt in the legs, it is important to tell your doctor about any other illnesses for which you may be currently undergoing treatment.
- Insomnia: Unable to fall asleep at night
- Sciatica: Discomfort or pain in the legs
- Depression: To feel in a low mood with a loss of interest in everyday activities
- Skin disease: Unpleasant sensations of the skin
Diagnostic criteria for restless legs syndrome
Five essential diagnostic criteria
- 1An urge to move legs, usually but not always accompanied by or felt to be caused by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs.
- 2The urge to move the legs and any accompanying unpleasant sensations begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity such as lying down or sitting
- 3The urge and unpleasant sensations are diminished by exercise
- 4The urge and unpleasant sensations only occur during rest or are worse in the evening or night than during the day
- 5The occurrence of the aforementioned features are not solely accounted for as symptoms of another medical or behavioral condition
(e.g. myalgia, venous stasis, leg edema, arthritis, leg cramps, positional discomfort, habitual foot tapping)
Based on International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) Diagnostic Criteria 2014
Allen, R.P. et al.: Sleep Med., 15, 860-873, 2014