Category
Threshold Criteria
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest in an effort to relieve these feelings. RLS sensations are often described by people as burning, creeping, tugging, or like insects crawling inside the legs. The prevalence across the UK is 3-15% of the population and it can occur in both genders but there may be a slightly higher incidence in females. It can occur at any age, but the severity of the disease increases with age. For each individual the severity of the sensations can vary from uncomfortable to irritating to painful and these sensations are often called paraesthesia (abnormal sensation) or dysaesthesia (unpleasant abnormal sensation).
A diagnosis of Restless legs Syndrome can be made, according to the RLS: UK, if the patient fulfils each of the following criteria
- urge to move legs; may be associated with abnormal sensations
- symptoms occur at rest or during periods of inactivity
- partially or completely relived by moving the limb
- nocturnal worsening or occurrence of symptoms at night
Lying down or trying to relax can activate the symptoms and so sufferers, as a result, have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Untreated the condition can lead to daytime exhaustion for the patient and activities of daily living; personal relationships can be severely affected.
If there is uncertainty of diagnosis GPs can seek Advice and Guidance via ERS
Eligibility
| LLR ICB support referral to secondary care when the patient meets the following criteria Symptoms should be assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Groups Rating Scale Questionnaire (appendix A) to determine the impact on the person’s quality of life o For patients with mild symptoms provide reassurance and promote self-help measures, several listed below o Patients with moderate to severe symptoms Non-pharmacological therapy interventions have been exhausted/ excluded o Relaxation exercises o Distraction techniques o Good sleep hygiene o Stretching and massaging affected limb o Abstinence from caffeine, nicotine and alcohol o Stop smoking o Moderate exercise o Consider effects of medication that may cause/ exacerbate RLS o Exclude secondary causes e.g. iron deficiency, pregnancy, renal failure |
Details regarding pharmacological treatments for Restless Leg Syndrome can be found on the Leicestershire Medicines Strategy Group website
Guidance
Appendix A
| ARP 81 Review Date: 2026 |
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