Types of Restless Legs Syndrome

There are two types of restless legs syndrome: primary and secondary. Primary restless legs syndrome is usually a lifelong condition that tends to get worse over time. Secondary restless legs syndrome is caused by other diseases or conditions, or certain medications. The symptoms of this type of RLS usually go away when the underlying disease or condition improves, or when the medicine is stopped.

 

An Introduction to the Types of Restless Legs Syndrome

There are two types of restless legs syndrome (RLS): primary and secondary.
 
Types of Restless Legs Syndrome: Primary
The cause of primary RLS is not known. Primary RLS, also called idiopathic RLS, is the most common type of restless legs syndrome. Primary restless legs syndrome is usually a lifelong condition. Over time, RLS symptoms tend to get worse and occur more often, especially if they began in childhood or early in adult life. In milder cases, there may be long periods of time in which there are no symptoms, or symptoms may only last for a limited time.
 
Types of Restless Legs Syndrome: Secondary
Secondary restless legs syndrome is caused by another disease or condition or, sometimes, from taking certain medicines. In cases of secondary RLS, symptoms usually go away when the underlying disease or condition improves, or when the medicine is stopped.

(Click Restless Legs Syndrome Causes for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD