The diagnosis of restless legs syndrome is made correctly in only 6% of symptomatic patients, Richard P. Allen, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, and colleagues have reported.
Dr. Allen and his associates surveyed 15,391 adults in the United States and Western Europe; 1,114 (7.2%) reported all four diagnostic symptoms of RLS. Of those, about 37% (416) met the criteria for RLS sufferers (experiencing moderately or severely distressing symptoms at least twice weekly).
Most of the RLS sufferers (88%) reported sensory disturbance 60% reported pain; 76% reported sleep disturbance; 56%, impaired daytime functioning; 37%, symptoms affecting movement; and 26%, mood disturbance (Arch. Int. Med. 2005;165:1286–92).
More than 80% had discussed their symptoms with a primary care physician, but only 6% received a diagnosis of restless legs syndrome. Other diagnoses were poor circulation (18%); arthritis (14%); back or spinal problem (13%); varicose veins (7.5%); depression or anxiety (6%); and trapped nerves (6%), the investigators said.
The correct diagnosis of RLS means patients can be offered dopamine agonist therapy.