[Restless legs syndrome: therapeutic possibilities in the medical practice]

The diagnosis of restless legs syndrome is made on the basis of the clinical symptoms and, if applicable, complemented with a polysomnography. This is followed by neurophysiological examinations and laboratory diagnostics and permits a differentiation between idiopathic and secondary RLS. The therapy depends upon the form and severity of the disease. For secondary RLS, the primary disease must be treated or the symptom-inducing medication must be discontinued. An idiopathic RLS is treated with drugs. Primarily, L-dopa/benserazide and dopaminergic agonists are used, but opioids and anticonvulsants are also successful.