[[Thomas Willis]] first described RLS clinical cases already in the 17th century, and [[Karl-Axel Ekbom]] described the disease as a modern clinical entity in the 20th century. Despite variable [[severity]], RLS can markedly affect sleep (partly through the presence of periodic leg movements) and [[quality of life]], with a relevant socio-economic impact. Thus, its recognition and treatment are essential. However, [[screening]] methods present [[limitation]]s and should be improved. Moreover, available RLS treatment options albeit providing sustained relief to many patients are limited in number. Additionally, the development of [[augmentation]] with [[dopamine agonist]]s represents a major treatment problem. A better understanding of RLS [[pathomechanism]]s can bring to light novel treatment possibilities. With emerging new avenues of research in [[pharmacology]], [[imaging]], genetics, and [[animal model]]s of RLS, this is an interesting and constantly growing field of research
((Khachatryan SG, Ferri R, Fulda S, Garcia-Borreguero D, Manconi M, Muntean ML, Stefani A. Restless legs syndrome: Over 50 years of European contribution. J Sleep Res. 2022 Jul 9:e13632. doi: 10.1111/jsr.13632. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35808955.)).