Restless legs syndrome physical examination
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamadmostafa Jahansouz M.D.[2]
Overview
Overview
Physical examination of patients with restless leg syndrome is usually normal. Physical examination is performed to identify secondary causes and to rule out other disorders. A neurologic examination with emphasis on spinal cord and peripheral nerve function should performed in all patients with restless leg syndrome to diagnose the possible underlying neurological disease. A detailed vascular examination should performed in all patients with restless leg syndrome to diagnose the possible underlying vascular disease. A neurologic examination with emphasis on conjunctival pallor should performed in all patients with restless leg syndrome to diagnose the possible iron deficiency anemia.
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
- Physical examination of patients with restless leg syndrome is usually normal.[1]
- Physical examination is performed to identify secondary causes and to rule out other disorders.
- The following are areas of particular importance:[2][3]
- A neurologic examination with emphasis on spinal cord and peripheral nerve function should performed in all patients with restless leg syndrome to diagnose the possible underlying neurological disease.
- A detailed vascular examination should performed in all patients with restless leg syndrome to diagnose the possible underlying vascular disease.
- A neurologic examination with emphasis on conjunctival pallor should performed in all patients with restless leg syndrome to diagnose the possible iron deficiency anemia.
Appearance of the Patient
- Patients with restless leg syndrome usually appear normal.
Vital Signs
- Patients with restless leg syndrome usually have normal vital signs.
Skin
- Skin examination of patients with restless leg syndrome is usually normal.
HEENT
- HEENT examination of patients with restless leg syndrome is usually normal.
- A neurologic examination with emphasis on conjunctival pallor should performed in all patients with restless leg syndrome to diagnose the possible iron deficiency anemia.[3]
Neck
- Neck examination of patients with restless leg syndrome is usually normal.
Lungs
- Pulmonary examination of patients with restless leg syndrome is usually normal.
Heart
- Cardiovascular examination of patients with restless leg syndrome is usually normal.
- A detailed vascular examination should performed in all patients with restless leg syndrome to diagnose the possible underlying vascular disease.[2]
Abdomen
- Abdominal examination of patients with restless leg syndrome is usually normal.
Back
- Back examination of patients with restless leg syndrome is usually normal.
Genitourinary
- Genitourinary examination of patients with restless leg syndrome is usually normal.
Neuromuscular
- Neuromuscular examination of patients with restless leg syndrome is usually normal.
- A neurologic examination with emphasis on spinal cord and peripheral nerve function should performed in all patients with restless leg syndrome to diagnose the possible underlying neurological disease.
Extremities
- Extremities examination of patients with restless leg syndrome is usually normal.
References
References
- ↑ Koo BB, Bagai K, Walters AS (2016). “Restless Legs Syndrome: Current Concepts about Disease Pathophysiology”. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y). 6: 401. doi:10.7916/D83J3D2G. PMC 4961894. PMID 27536462.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Gottlieb DJ, Somers VK, Punjabi NM, Winkelman JW (2017). “Restless legs syndrome and cardiovascular disease: a research roadmap”. Sleep Med. 31: 10–17. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2016.08.008. PMC 5334194. PMID 28065687.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Allen RP, Auerbach S, Bahrain H, Auerbach M, Earley CJ (2013). “The prevalence and impact of restless legs syndrome on patients with iron deficiency anemia”. Am J Hematol. 88 (4): 261–4. doi:10.1002/ajh.23397. PMID 23494945.
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