In restless legs syndrome, what is the primary method used to diagnose?

• A. MRI of the brain
• B. Clinical diagnosis with iron studies
• C. ECG
• D. Polysomnography

Answer: (B)

Restless legs syndrome is diagnosed clinically, based on the patient’s history of an urge to move the legs that starts or worsens with rest and in the evening, and is relieved by movement. There isn’t a specific imaging test or sleep study that confirms RLS, so the primary method is a careful clinical assessment. Iron studies are important as a supportive step because iron deficiency or low ferritin can worsen symptoms and guiding iron therapy can improve them. MRI of the brain, ECG, and polysomnography aren’t used to make the diagnosis themselves; they may be considered to rule out other conditions or in complex cases, but they do not establish the diagnosis of RLS.