SUMMARY
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a syndrome of leg pain. It typically occurs in middle-aged and older women. The cause of RLS is not known. Many theories exist. Some experts think RLS is a neurologic disease. It might be classified as a movement disorder and other movement disorders have a neurologic basis. Because the cause is not known, RLS is considered a syndrome and not a disease. In some ways this is good. It is not associated with a fatal disease like cancer and it is not physically degenerative. But, because there is no cause there is no cure or universally successful treatment. Treatment involves a lot of trial and error.

DIAGNOSIS
There is no test that diagnoses RLS conclusively. The diagnosis is considered clinical meaning a doctor makes the diagnosis based on the history and physical alone and not based on lab or x-rays. There are criteria for the diagnosis. This is mainly for research purposes but can be useful to assure a correct diagnosis.

WHAT TREATMENTS?
Some non-drug treatments might be more successful than drug treatments. Most patients try prescription medicines in two categories: Parkinsons drugs and seizure drugs.

OUTLOOK
Until researchers come up with better understanding of this syndrome, it will remain a frustrating diagnosis for patients and doctors.