[Restless legs syndrome. Therapy according to plan]

The restless legs syndrome is characterised by an imperative desire to move lower legs because of paraesthesias or dysesthesias sometimes associated with pain witch occur at rest. The symptoms temporary relief by activity. Worsening of symptoms in the evening or at night are typical. Therefore patients with RLS often have problems with initiating and maintaining sleep. In polysomnographic investigation typical periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) can be found. The treatment of choice for RLS is levodopa. In case of augmentation or time shifting transfer to dopamine agonists should be considered. Alternative medications are opioids, benzodiazepines or some antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine or gabapentin).