Diagnosis - Restless Legs Syndrome
Diagnosing restless legs syndrome (RLS) is based on:
- A complete medical history
- Physical examination
- Laboratory tests
A complete medical history is essential for diagnosis.
NIH criteria for Restless Legs Syndrome
In 2003 National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus panel modified their symptom criteria to diagnose RLS which include the following:
- An urge to move the limbs with or without sensations.
- Worsening at rest.
- Improvement with activity.
- Worsening in the evening or night.
Physical examination
A physical exam is done to:
- To rule out neurological causes which include involvement of nerves from the spinal cord (especially) and legs and arms.
- Assess the blood flow in the legs and arms.
- To identify any other underlying condition that may cause RLS.
Laboratory tests
There is no test currently available to diagnose RLS.
However, blood tests can be used to look for underlying conditions that can cause RLS. These tests check for:
- Low iron stores or iron deficiency – Blood Ferritin levels should be checked and it should be at least 50 mcg for those with RLS.
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Other vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Electromyography and nerve conduction studies may be recommended to measure electrical activity in muscles and nerves.
Doppler sonography may be used to evaluate muscle activity in the legs.
Polysomnography (a test that records the patient's brain waves, heartbeat, and breathing during an entire night) this study can be undertaken to identify the presence of other sleep disorders such as periodic limb movement disorder PLMD.
