Restless legs syndrome in internal medicine

Restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease (RLS/WED) is a common but still underdiagnosed neurological disorder. RLS/WED might impair nocturnal rest causing decreased alertness, depression, reduced job performance and poor quality of life. RLS/WED can occur as an isolated disease, mostly at a young age, or can be associated with comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal failure, arterial hypertension and peripheral neuropathy. The literature also offers some evidence of an association with gastrointestinal, rheumatological, pneumological, and neoplastic disorders. It is important to be aware of these associations in order to promptly recognize RLS/WED and also to think about an underlying medical condition when a patient reports symptoms of RLS/WED.