Leg kicking and rubbing as a highly suggestive sign of pediatric restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common pediatric neurologic condition affecting 2–4% of children and adolescents [1] with significant impact on sleep and health [2]. Early manifestations of RLS, such as disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep, have been described by Picchietti et al. [3] but the diagnosis in infants is difficult due to their poor language skills. Revised and simplified diagnostic criteria for pediatric RLS specifically indicate that “the description of these symptoms should be in the child’s own words.” For non-verbal children, “diagnosis by behavioral observation” is suggested [1], supported by homevideo-recording [4].