Restless Leg Syndrome
Patient Guide

Doctors Who Treat Restless Leg Syndrome

Initial consultations for Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS would most likely be with healthcare providers that you already have an ongoing relationship with. Those listed in this patient education guide include:

• General Practitioners (Family Practitioners) - Deals with prevention, discovery and treatment of illnesses in all age categories
• Internist - Focuses on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of adult illness
• Gynecologist - Deals with female health
• Pediatrician - Specializes in infant, childhood and adolescent care
• Gerontologist - Deals with senior or elder health
• Nurse Practitioner - Focuses on prevention, wellness and education of patients about health and health choices

However, after the initial consult, when other underlying medical conditions have been ruled out, the patient would be referred to a neurologist who specializes in sleep or movement disorders.

A team approach to diagnosing RLS would consist of the following:

• Neurologist - Specializes in the health and disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerve action.
• Physiatrist - Focuses on improving the quality of life by diminishing disabilities or impairments through rehabilitative physical therapy
• Holistic Practitioner - Views the body overall, considering physical, mental, and spiritual components. Herbs and nutritional supplements are considered in addition to meditation, cleansing, diet and exercise protocols
• Acupuncturist - Relieves pain and enhances healing through the ancient traditional Chinese medicine using special needles inserted and manipulated in various body energy zones
• Nutritionist - Formulates diet plans to impact positively on health