Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Restless legs syndrome physical examination
Introduction
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.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamadmostafa Jahansouz M.D.[2]