Restless legs syndrome in children

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common pediatric condition that often goes un-diagnosed. The genetics and pathophysiology of this sensorimotor condition are still not well understood. RLS can affect any part of the body, but the thighs and calves are the most commonly affected. Because of unpleasant sensations caused by RLS, these patients experience sleep disturbance and its consequences. The diagnosis of RLS is a clinical one. RLS occurs at a higher frequency and the symptoms are more severe in patients with iron deficiency; therefore, correcting iron deficiency improves the symptoms. Both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions can be effective in the treatment of children with RLS. However, in contrast to adults with RLS, most children with RLS are not treated with pharmacologic agents because the symp-toms are not as severe as they are in adults.