RLS Diagnostic Criteria (IRLSSG)

IRLSSG Criteria: Standardized diagnosis for Restless Legs Syndrome. All 5 essential criteria must be met for a clinical diagnosis.

Essential Diagnostic Checklist

Guidelines & Evidence

Clinical Details

Section 1

When to Use

Initial diagnostic assessment for patients reporting uncomfortable leg sensations or sleep disturbance

Standardizing clinical diagnosis across primary care and sleep clinics

Differentiating RLS from mimics like peripheral neuropathy, venous insufficiency, or leg cramps

Screening for required (Essential) and supportive features of RLS

Section 2

Formula & Logic

Essential Diagnostic Criteria

All 5 essential criteria must be present for a clinical diagnosis of RLS:

Criteria URGE Mnemonic

U: Urge to move legs, usually associated with unpleasant sensations

R: Rest or inactivity triggers/exacerbates symptoms

G: Getting moving (walking/stretching) provides relief

E: Evening or night worsening of symptoms

Exclusion: Not solely accounted for by another condition (e.g., myalgia, edema)

Section 3

Evidence Appraisal

Validation

Restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease diagnostic criteria: revised International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) diagnostic criteria.

Allen RP et al. • Sleep Med.. 2014;15(8):860-73. Current international standard for diagnosis.

Last Comprehensive Review: 2026

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RLS Diagnostic Criteria (IRLSSG)

IRLSSG Criteria: Standardized diagnosis for Restless Legs Syndrome. All 5 essential criteria must be met for a clinical diagnosis.

Essential Diagnostic Checklist

Guidelines & Evidence

Clinical Details

Section 1

When to Use

Initial diagnostic assessment for patients reporting uncomfortable leg sensations or sleep disturbance

Standardizing clinical diagnosis across primary care and sleep clinics

Differentiating RLS from mimics like peripheral neuropathy, venous insufficiency, or leg cramps

Screening for required (Essential) and supportive features of RLS

Section 2

Formula & Logic

Essential Diagnostic Criteria

All 5 essential criteria must be present for a clinical diagnosis of RLS:

Criteria URGE Mnemonic

U: Urge to move legs, usually associated with unpleasant sensations

R: Rest or inactivity triggers/exacerbates symptoms

G: Getting moving (walking/stretching) provides relief

E: Evening or night worsening of symptoms

Exclusion: Not solely accounted for by another condition (e.g., myalgia, edema)

Section 3

Evidence Appraisal

Validation

Restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease diagnostic criteria: revised International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) diagnostic criteria.

Allen RP et al. • Sleep Med.. 2014;15(8):860-73. Current international standard for diagnosis.

Last Comprehensive Review: 2026

Related Psychiatry Tools

Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Benzodiazepines

Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales

Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test — Revised

SCOFF

EDE-Q

Have feedback about this calculator?Let us know.

RLS Diagnostic Criteria (IRLSSG)

Urge to Move

Rest Induced

Relief by Movement

Evening Worsening

Mimic Exclusion

Clinical Details

When to Use

When to Use

Formula & Logic

Essential Diagnostic Criteria

Criteria URGE Mnemonic

Evidence Appraisal

Validation

Restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease diagnostic criteria: revised International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) diagnostic criteria.

Related Psychiatry Tools

RLS Diagnostic Criteria (IRLSSG)

Urge to Move

Rest Induced

Relief by Movement

Evening Worsening

Mimic Exclusion

Clinical Details

When to Use

When to Use

Formula & Logic

Essential Diagnostic Criteria

Criteria URGE Mnemonic

Evidence Appraisal

Validation

Restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease diagnostic criteria: revised International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) diagnostic criteria.

Related Psychiatry Tools