[Restless legs syndrome and nocturnal leg pain : Differential diagnosis and treatment]

Schmerz. 2011 Sep;25(5):544-51. doi: 10.1007/s00482-011-1074-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Pain in the legs belongs to the five most frequent regional pain symptoms. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) presents a particular differential diagnosis for pain in the legs, which is characterized by a nocturnal urge to move the legs often associated with painful sensations in the legs. It is one of the most common neurological disorders and probably the leading cause of nocturnal pain in the legs. In this overview, the diagnosis and therapy of RLS as well as aspects of pain therapy of the disorder are presented. In addition, the differential diagnoses for exclusion of other specific causes of nocturnal pain in the legs are discussed.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Comorbidity
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dopamine Agonists / adverse effects
  • Dopamine Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Leg*
  • Levodopa / adverse effects
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use
  • Pain / diagnosis*
  • Pain / drug therapy
  • Pain / epidemiology
  • Pain / etiology
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / etiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / diagnosis
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / drug therapy
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / epidemiology
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / etiology

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Levodopa