Table 3.
Differences between akathisia and restless leg syndrome (RLS).
| Akathisia | RLS | |
|---|---|---|
| Prevalence | 15-35% | 3-9% |
| Gender prevalence | Same in both male and females | Tend to occur more in females |
| Motor restlessness | Can be absent | Present |
| Paresthesia | Absent | Present mostly at night and disappears in the morning |
| Time of occurrence | Anytime | Mostly at night |
| Sleep disturbance | Absent | Patient usually cannot sleep |
| Lying down | Somewhat decreases it | Aggravates it |
| Myoclonus | Absent | Present with severe cases |
| Treatment | Anticholinergic and Beta-blockers | Dopamine agonists and opiates |