How to Diagnose Restless Leg Syndrome

At this time, there are no definitive diagnostic tests for identifying restless leg syndrome (RLS). Evaluating the patient's history and symptoms and eliminating known possible causes is the most efficient way to achieve a diagnosis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Keep a record of symptoms such as an uncontrollable desire to move the limbs, particularly the legs. This symptom is often associated with paresthesias (abnormal skin sensations).
2. Observe if symptoms are worse at any particular time of the day or relieved by activity.
3. Be alert for motor restlessness (the inability to be still), particularly in the legs. The arms, however, can also be affected by RLS.
4. Notice if the symptoms are worse in the evening and during sleep.
5. Evaluate quality of sleep for sleep disturbances resulting from leg jerking and discomfort. Ask your sleeping partner if you're uncertain about restless sleep patterns.
6. Undergo a sleep study such as a polysomnography to determine if PLMD (periodic limb movement disorder) is present. This test monitors heartbeat, breathing and brain wave activity throughout the night.
7. Ask your family members if they any have a history of the same symptoms. This information is helpful in the effort to diagnose RLS.
8. Expect your doctor to do several blood tests before she can diagnose RLS. Tests will include results to exclude diabetes, anemia, renal dysfunction and low iron as causes for restless leg syndrome symptoms.
9. Consider electromyography and nerve conduction studies, which may be done to measure electrical activity in the muscles and nerves. Abnormalities may indicate the presence of other neurological or muscular disease processes.
10. Know that doppler sonography may be performed to identify any abnormal muscular activity in the legs.
11. Know that children are much harder to diagnose, since a major part of diagnosis is made by the patient's description of the symptoms. Children as young as 4 have been diagnosed with RLS.

Tips & Warnings

• About 80 percent of people with RLS also experience PLMD and accompanying daytime fatigue.
• To diagnose RLS, many other tests must be done to rule out other diseases or disorders. Expect a lot of tests before a conclusion of RLS is determined.
• Since children can be affected by RLS, parents should watch for symptoms. They are usually unable to verbalize the feelings of creeping, crawling or tingling that accompany RLS.

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