Criteria for diagnosis of idiopathic restless legs syndrome (RLS)
| Minimum diagnostic criteria | Additional features |
| Desire to move limbs, usually associated with para/dysaesthesia | Sleep disturbance |
| Motor restlessness | Periodic limb movements in sleep |
| Symptoms worse or exclusively present at rest: partial/temporary relief with activity | Neurological examination normal |
| Symptoms worse in the evening or at night | Chronic symptoms with exacerbations and remissions |
| Positive family history |
International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group.11
Response to dopaminergic agents, although often present, is not regarded as a criteria for diagnosis of idiopathic RLS.