There are specific criteria for a diagnosis of Restless Legs Syndrome, based on those developed by the International Legs Syndrome Study Group in 1995; 4 basic elements must be present to make the diagnosis. They are:
- A compelling urge to move the limbs, usually associated with paresthesias/dysesthesias
- Motor restlessness, as seen in activities such as floor pacing, tossing and turning in bed, and rubbing the legs
- Symptoms worse or exclusively present at rest (ie, lying, sitting) with variable and temporary relief on activity
- Circadian variation* of symptoms, which are present in the evening and at night. Often, symptoms are relieved after 5:00 am. In more severe cases, symptoms can be present throughout the day without circadian variation.
*Circadian variations refer to changes over a 24-hour period. These are usually in a sequential or rhythmic pattern.
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