There is some useful advice on diagnosis and management of Restless Leg Syndrome in Clinical Knowledge Summaries.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) can usually be managed in primary care and referral to a specialist is only required if there is doubt about the diagnosis or if treatment is unsuccessful.
CKS suggests measuring ferritin in all people with RLS as iron deficiency (even with normal Hb) may precipitate or exacerbate symptoms.
Other investigations should be guided by history and examination but may include: FBC, UE, TFT, vit B12, HbA1c (or fasting glucose).
Peripheral neuropathy and RLS may co-exist. If peripheral neuropathy is also suspected then nerve conduction studies may be helpful. They can be requested directly to neurophysiology. Also see the Neurophysiology page of Remedy.
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