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What is the Differential Diagnosis of RLS?
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A number of other disorders may be associated with similar symptoms to those
experienced in RLS. In establishing a diagnosis of RLS various tests may be
performed to rule out other diagnoses.
The differential diagnosis of RLS
- Nocturnal leg cramps
- Akathisia (excessive movements of upper and lower
limbs, without specific sensory complaints, any
time of day)
- Peripheral neuropathy (not usually associated with
motor restlessness or helped by movement)
- Vascular disease (such as varicose veins or deep
vein thrombosis)
- Painful legs and moving toes
- Intermittent claudication
- Neuroleptic induced akathisia
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children
"growing pains"
- Anxiety or generalised anxiety disorder
A list of symptoms reported by patients to describe the discomfort of RLS.
- Like an electric current
- The heeby-jeebies
- Crazy legs
- Like Coca-Cola bubbling through my veins
- The gotta-moves
- Aching in my bones
- Pulling
- Elvis Legs
- Tearing
- Throbbing
- Creepy Crawly
- Pain
- Like a tooth ache in the legs
- Growing pains
- Itching bones
- Like maggots crawling through my veins
The commonest mimics of RLS are:
Arthritis related pain and discomfort of legs
Leg cramps
Positional discomfort
Adapted from April 2001 Medical Bulletin:
Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, Inc |
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