Restless legs syndrome: an update on treatment options

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) was first described in 1672 but it is only recently that this disorder has attracted attention in defining its phenotype, and identifying its aetiology, pathogenesis and pharmacological treatment. RLS can be divided into primary (idiopathic) and secondary forms. RLS is common, affecting 5-15% of the total population and manifesting at any age from childhood to late adulthood. Prevalence tends to increase with patient age and there may be geographic variation. There is a clear genetic contribution to primary RLS and evidence for dopaminergic dysfunction. Although not all patients with RLS require medication, there can be a substantial reduction in the patient's quality of life related to pain, poor sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness. A variety of medications are now available for the symptomatic treatment of RLS. Dopaminergic therapy is currently the treatment of choice, usually initiated with a long-acting dopamine agonist, thereby avoiding some of the complications associated with levodopa. Anticonvulsants may be used as second-line treatment. Levodopa should be reserved for those patients who fail to respond to alternative medications because of the high risk of inducing augmentation. Hypnosedatives also have a role in RLS management. Patients with intractable RLS may require combination treatment. Several systemic disorders can cause RLS, and these should be identified and treated appropriately.