Restless legs syndrome in childhood: A consensus proposal for diagnostic criteria

Summary No previous studies have explicitly addressed the issue of diagnostic criteria for restless legs syndrome (RLS) in children. Diagnosis of RLS in adults is primarily based on the ­patient's history. Children may exhibit and report symptoms of RLS differently from adults, depending on the child's chronological and developmental age and on the child's ability at verbal expression. Members of the study groups 'Movement Disorder' and 'Paediatrics' of the German Sleep Society have therefore elaborated a consensus proposal for diagnostic criteria of RLS in childhood by adapting and modifying the criteria of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group used in adults. As minimal criteria for the diagnosis of RLS in childhood we propose: 1) The desire to move the legs is associated with sensations like discomfort or pain in the legs; 2) Increase in dysaesthesiae in the legs at rest and decrease due to motor activity; 3) The dysaesthesiae of the legs are worse during the even­ing and at night; 4) The child obviously suffers from the symptomatology; and 5) The symptoms described should persist for at least 6 months. Additional clinical features proposed include: 6) Sleep disturbance and its consequences; 7) Involuntary movements of the legs while awake and at rest or periodic leg movements in sleep; 8) Normal neurological examination; and 9) Positive family history.