Mimics of Childhood Restless Legs Syndrome.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease (WED), has several mimicking conditions that closely resemble many, if not all, of its characteristics. Some of these mimics are particularly prevalent in pediatric populations. A thorough differential diagnosis of RLS/WED must be grounded in a comprehensive patient history, physical examination, and laboratory findings. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensuring appropriate treatment, optimizing functional outcomes, and preventing both unnecessary parental concern and potential side effects from incorrect therapies.