Table 2.

Differential diagnosis of RLS (RLS mimics) [18,23,24].

Disorder	Clinical Features
Common mimics
Neuropathic pain syndrome	Not relief with movement
Peripheral neuropathy	Gloves and stocks distribution
Radiculopathy	Radicular pain distribution Weakness Antalgic position
Sleep related leg cramps	Palpable tightening of the muscle Alleviated by stretching and not by movement
Positional discomfort	Relief with postural shift No circadian pattern
Venous stasis	Leg edema Skin alterations
Arthritis	Symptoms confined to a joint, joint erythema Delayed relief with movement
Anxiety	Mainly psychic symptoms Volitional movements of the legs, without sensory discomfort
Habitual foot tapping	No urge to move, reduced awareness of the movement
Drug-induced akathisia	Neuroleptic assumption Body rocking movements Whole body involvement
Less common mimics
Myelopathy	Hypoesthesia Muscle atrophy, weakness
Myopathy	No circadian pattern Proximal distribution, cramps Muscle atrophy, weakness, skin alterations
Vascular or neurogenic claudication	Relief at rest Increase during legs movements No circadian pattern Skin alterations
Hypotensive akathisia	No circadian pattern Increase during sitting position Relief in lying position
Painful legs and moving toes	No circadian pattern No sensory discomfort
Vesper’s curse	Lumbosacral pain Cardiopulmonary alterations
Pediatric mimics
Growing Pain	Relief with local massage and stretching
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder	Inattention, hyperactivity, disruptive behavior, and impulsivity