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Warning-sign checks

Restless legs syndrome: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, sudden one-sided weakness, or thoughts of immediate self-harm.

    These symptoms are not expected features of RLS and need emergency care.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a clinician promptly if treatment causes severe sleepiness, confusion, falls, compulsive behaviour, or a clear pattern of symptoms starting earlier and becoming stronger.

    Seek urgent assessment for symptoms that are not typical of RLS, such as a suddenly swollen, red, painful leg or new weakness and loss of sensation.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if the urge to move your legs repeatedly disrupts sleep, affects daytime functioning, or is becoming more frequent.

    Assessment is also appropriate during pregnancy, after a medicine change, or if you may have iron loss.

The article also says

RLS itself is not usually an emergency.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Restless legs syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.