Restless legs syndrome

Wittmaack-Ekbom or restless legs syndrome is a disorder of the nervous system that affects sensation and movement in the legs and causes the limbs to feel uncomfortable. Relief can be temporaroly gained by moving the legs which cause sufferers to seem fidgity and restless.

It is not to be confused with akathisia, a movement disorder that looks similar, but is caused as a side-effect of antipsychotic medication. Unlike restless legs syndrome sufferers, those with akathisia gain most relief by lying down and do not experience worsening of symptoms at night.