Restless legs syndrome: what a pediatrician needs to know

Abstract

Over the last two decades, there has been increasing recognition that restless legs syndrome (RLS) occurs in children. Adults who suffer from RLS often refer to their childhood as the onset of the symptoms. Epidemiologic studies indeed report that RLS symptoms are more prevalent in children than most physicians would have expected. This article challenges pediatricians to consider what role they might play in the detection and treatment of RLS. Information is provided that should be helpful to pediatricians how to detect and how to evaluate childhood RLS. With the knowledge of pathophysiological mechanisms, the impact of pharmacological treatments, common comorbidities and other pediatric conditions, children at risk can be more easily recognized. RLS should be considered as a possible cause of growing pains and/or sleep problems and should be referred to pediatric sleep specialists if necessary, but not every child with RLS needs treatment.