Management of RLS in Children (Unique Features)

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a relatively common pediatric disease with an estimated prevalence of 2–4% in school-aged children and adolescents [1–4]. Often it is misdiagnosed and ignored by most pediatricians and general practitioners. The classical clinical presentation of a compelling urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable dysesthesias, is the RLS presentation also in children. To make a diagnosis of RLS, this core of sensory-motor symptoms must be present at rest, at least temporarily relieved by movement, and most pronounced at night [5]. The exact prevalence of RLS in children is unknown, although one-third of adults with RLS are affected in childhood. Studies have reported that, in adults with RLS, 25% of them had onset of their symptoms between 10 and 20 years of age and 18% of them had onset before 10 years of age [2]. Pediatricians need to be aware of RLS because it may be common, and when untreated, can cause significant functional impairment. Possible causes of under-recognition include the mild and intermittent nature of the symptoms at younger ages.