[Restless legs syndrome--current aspects]

Although the Restless-Legs-Syndrome (RLS) is harmless, it can be considerably bothersome on occasions. It seems to affect 1-5% of the population. The minimal criteria for diagnosis are: Symmetric or asymmetric dysesthesias of the lower, sometimes also of the upper extremities, present at rest, especially at night. This induces a need to move. Moving gives always relief, but only for a few seconds. Occasionally, dysesthesia can be painful. Additional features are: Involuntary, rhythmic retraction movements occurring especially at night, during sleep stages I und II. Sleep is disrupted and superficial, followed by daytime fatigue. Aetiologically, it is a mostly primary or hereditary disease, but may go along with uremia, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Pathophysiologically there seems to be a malfunction of dopamine and opiate receptors in the central nervous system. Recently, morphological modifications have been found in peripheral nerves. Coffeine has been claimed as causative factor, but its role remains questionable. Therapy shows a high success rate. Some patients may complain about some remaining symptoms even with high doses of medication. Although carbamazepine, clonazepam and clonidine showed satisfactory results in controlled studies, dopaminergic agents and opiates have many advantages. In contrast to the former compounds, the latter are also effective against periodic movements in sleep. Side effects will be discussed according to the literature. In the second part of this paper, practical aspects concerning the care of RLS patients are considered.