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Superficial anterior muscles
Superficial anterior muscles
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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:

There is no specific examination for restless leg syndrome. No structural or other abnormalities are usually discovered unless peripheralnerve disease is also present. A blood test may be done to rule out anemia, which rarely has been associated with restless leg syndrome.

Examination and testing may be used to rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms, especially disorders associated with claudication of the legs.



Review Date: 7/28/2002
Reviewed By: Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., MSc, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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