No single test is currently available for diagnosing restless legs syndrome (RLS). The condition is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and your previous medical and family history.
The International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group has identified some basic criteria for diagnosing RLS. These are:
- an overwhelming urge to move your legs, usually with an uncomfortable sensation such as itching or tingling
- symptoms occur or worsen when you are resting or inactive
- symptoms are relieved by moving your legs or rubbing them
- symptoms are worse during the evening or at night
A confident diagnosis can be made if you have all the above symptoms.
Blood tests
If your GP suspects that you have RLS, they may refer you for a number of tests to confirm or rule out a number of possible underlying causes. For example, you may have blood tests to rule out health conditions such as anaemia, diabetes and problems with your kidney function.
Assessing your symptoms
Your GP will also want to ask you about the pattern of your symptoms, to assess whether you have mild, moderate, severe or very severe RLS.
They may ask:
- how often your symptoms occur
- how unpleasant you find your symptoms
- if your symptoms cause significant distress
- if your sleep is being disrupted, making you tired during the day
Mild RLS can usually just be treated by making lifestyle changes. Moderate to very severe RLS usually requires medication to bring symptoms under control. Read more about the treatment of restless leg syndrome.
Sleep tests
If you have RLS and are experiencing severe disruption to your sleep, sleep tests such as polysomnography may be recommended.
Polysomnography is a test that measures your breathing rate, brain waves, and heartbeat throughout the course of a night. This type of test will confirm whether you have periodic limb movements of sleep.
