Resumen

MIRANDA, Marcelo  y  VENEGAS, Pablo. Restless Legs Syndrome: A Clinical Update. Rev. chil. neuro-psiquiatr. [online]. 2001, vol.39, n.2, pp.140-148. ISSN 0717-9227.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0717-92272001000200006.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a movement disorder characterized by an imperative unpleasant urge to move the legs. It is associated with paraesthesia, motor restlessness and worsening of symptoms at night, with activity giving at least partial relief. The prevalence of RLS varies between 2-15% of the general adult population and 20-30% of uremic patients. A recent research in our country showed that 13% of the general adult population and 27% of uremic patients were affected, with most cases going undiagnosed. We review recent advances in this disorder regarding its pathophysiological basis (dopaminergic dysfunction) and the different pharmacological therapies available. The aim of this review is to emphasize that RLS is a fairly common disorder in our population and that there is a growing need for medical recognition of RLS, as effective therapy is available to improve patients' quality of life

Palabras clave : restless legs syndrome; frequency; pharmacological approach.