Willis-Ekbom Disease: The Medical Name for RLS
Understanding the history, terminology, and official classification of Restless Legs Syndrome
Quick Answer
Willis-Ekbom Disease (WED) is the official medical name for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). They are exactly the same condition. The name was changed in 2011 to honor both Sir Thomas Willis (1672) and Dr. Karl-Axel Ekbom (1945), who first described and studied this neurological disorder.
📜 Historical Timeline: From Discovery to Modern Medicine
Anxietas Tibiarum
Sir Thomas Willis
First medical description as 'uneasiness in the legs'
Restless Legs Syndrome
Dr. Karl-Axel Ekbom
Comprehensive clinical study and modern classification
Willis-Ekbom Disease
International RLS Study Group
Official name change to honor both pioneers
🏥 How Medical Professionals Use These Names
Willis-Ekbom Disease (WED)
Used for: Official medical literature and research
Context: Peer-reviewed journals, medical conferences, diagnostic manuals
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Used for: Patient communication and general practice
Context: Doctor-patient discussions, patient education materials
Restless Leg Syndrome
Used for: Common public usage (note: singular 'leg')
Context: Internet searches, patient self-description
🩺 Official Willis-Ekbom Disease Diagnostic Criteria
International criteria established by the Willis-Ekbom Disease Foundation
Urge to Move Legs
EssentialUncomfortable sensations in legs accompanied by urge to move
Rest-Related Symptoms
EssentialSymptoms begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity
Movement Provides Relief
EssentialSymptoms partially or totally relieved by movement
Circadian Pattern
EssentialSymptoms worse in evening/night than during day
Family History
SupportingOften runs in families, especially early-onset cases
🔬 Types of Willis-Ekbom Disease
Primary (Idiopathic) WED
80-90%- No identifiable underlying cause
- Often genetic/familial
- Usually starts before age 45
- Progressive worsening over time
- May have periods of remission
Secondary WED
10-20%- Caused by underlying condition
- Iron deficiency most common cause
- Pregnancy-related
- Medication-induced
- Associated with kidney disease
📊 Willis-Ekbom Disease Prevalence
General Population
Mild symptoms; 2-3% have moderate to severe
Women
2x more likely than men; hormonal influence
Elderly (65+)
Increases with age; comorbidity factors
Pregnancy
Peak in third trimester; usually resolves postpartum
🔬 Recent Willis-Ekbom Disease Research
🧬 Latest Scientific Discoveries:
Treatment Is the Same Regardless of Name
Whether you call it RLS or Willis-Ekbom Disease, the treatments remain identical. Therapulse vibration therapy is effective for both primary and secondary forms, providing drug-free relief with an 88% success rate in clinical studies.
📚 Related Medical Information
RLS vs PLMD
Learn the differences between Willis-Ekbom Disease and Periodic Limb Movement.
Compare ConditionsUnderstanding Your Condition Is The First Step
Whether you call it RLS or Willis-Ekbom Disease, understanding your condition empowers you to make informed treatment decisions and communicate effectively with healthcare providers.