Research progress in the pathophysiology，and diagnosis and treatment of restless legs syndrome LIU Zhao1） ，GUAN Ruiqian1，2） ，PAN Limin1，2） 1）Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine，Harbin 150000，China； 2）The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine，Harbin 150001，China Corresponding author：PAN Limin 【Abstract】 Restless legs syndrome（RLS）is a common neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable leg impulses that resolve with exercise or getting up to walk and worsen at night. The pathogenesis of RLS is thrown unclear，but with advances in pathophysiological studies，it has been found that dopamine dysfunction in the central nervous system may be involved，as well as other unidentified contributing mechanisms，particularly iron deficiency and chronic renal dysfunction. Genetic susceptibility with a family history is common. enhanced RLS is characterized by greater severity of symptoms，earlier onset of symptoms，and often spread of symptoms from the legs to the arms or other areas of the body. Some people with RLS can adequately control their symptoms with non-pharmacological measures such as massage and warm baths. First-line treatment options include iron supplementation for those with evidence of reduced iron stores in the body，or the use of gabapentin or pregabalin，and dopamine agonists such as pramipexole，ropinirole，and rotigotine. Second-line therapies include opioids such as tramadol，oxycodone，and methadone. RLS severely affects the quality of life of patients and remains an area of treatment in great need of innovation and more new，biologically based and therapeutic approaches. 【Key words】 Restless legs syndrome；Gene locus；Iron deficiency；Hypersensitive cortical endpoints；Dopamine dysfunction；Iron supplementation；Gabapentin；Dopamine receptor agonists；Opioid
