How is RLS Diagnosed?
Diagnosing RLS is difficult because symptoms are self-reported, nonspecific, nocturnal, unwitnessed, and hard to identify. The syndrome commonly is mistaken for peripheral neuropathy, varicosity, intermittent claudication, nervousness, insomnia, stress, arthritis, muscle cramps, or aging. In a recent study of 551 RLS patients, 357 reported consulting a physician about RLS symptoms but only 46 received a correct diagnosis. For an accurate diagnosis, a thorough sleep history should be taken in any patient who complains of a sleep disturbance or abnormal leg movements at night. Patients must meet the four diagnostic criteria of RLS. (See Minimal diagnostic criteria for RLS.) Diagnostic tests may be done to rule out comorbid conditions that could be exacerbating the syndrome. (See Tests to rule out underlying conditions.) A thorough medication review also is crucial, as RLS symptoms can stem from GI medications, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, anti-Âdepressants (especially fluoxetine and sert
