Regardless of site, the key factor in diagnosis is a repetitive and compelling urge to move the extremities, leading to pacing, stretching, rubbing of the affected area, and an uncontrollable feeling of unrest. However, many sufferers appear to have an iron deficiency, without anemia. That is, the body's iron stores are depleted but the bone marrow has yet to be affected. Presently, several studies of RLS are being undertaken, under the auspices of the National Institutes of Health. Most physicians are not familiar with the syndrome, which is a shame because it can be readily diagnosed, basically on the history alone, without expensive and painful testing, such as nerve-conduction studies.
Treatment is complicated.
Drugs called dopaminergic agents are effective. However, recent reports have indicted one such drug, Sinemet, as a cause of permanent neurological damage. Note should be made that none of these agents has been federally approved for RLS therapy. In summary, restless legs syndrome is a real disease, a serious disorder and an affliction that affects millions of patients of all ages. It is under-diagnosed, and for their part, practicing physicians need to learn more about it.