Abstract
The clinical definitions for RLS were only established in 1995, when research on this disorder began. RLS was defined and described as the following: 1) a desire to move the limbs, which is often associated with paraesthesiae and dysaesthesiae; 2) having symptoms that are worse or present only during rest and are partially or temporarily relieved by activity; 3) having motor restlessness; and 4) experiencing nocturnal worsening of symptoms. In 2004, the definitions of RLS were updated. Subsequently, RLS was defined as an urge to move the legs, accompanied by unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs, which begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, such as lying or sitting down, and are worse during the evening or night than during the day or only occur during the night (figure 1). These sensations are partially or totally removed by movements such as walking or stretching.
- ©ERS 2006
Breathe articles are open access and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Licence 4.0.