Background
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurologic movement disorder of the limbs that is often associated with a sleep complaint .Patients
with RLS have a characteristic difficulty in trying to depict their
symptoms. They may report sensations, such as an almost irresistible
urge to move the legs, that are not painful but are distinctly
bothersome. RLS can lead to significant physical and emotional
disability. The sensations of RLS usually are worse during inactivity and often interfere with sleep, leading to chronic sleep deprivation and stress.Once correctly diagnosed, RLS can usually be treated effectively and, in some secondary cases, it can even be cured.
The term RLS was used initially in the mid-1940s by Swedish neurologist Karl A. Ekbom. However, descriptions of the disorder date back to the 17th century.
RLS is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed. Many patients are not diagnosed until 10-20 years after symptom onset. RLS may begin at any age, even as early as infancy, but most patients who are affected severely are middle-aged or older.
