Thermal hypoesthesia differentiates secondary RLS due to small fibre neuropathy from primary RLS

Objective: The aim of our study was to assess thermal and mechanical perception and pain thresholds in primary idiopathic Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and secondary RLS due to small fiber neuropathy. Methods: 21 patients (age 53.3±8.4, n=3 male) with primary RLS and 13 patients (age 62.4±7.6, n=1 male) with secondary RLS due to small fiber neuropathy were compared with 20 healthy subjects (58±7; n=2 male). Differential diagnosis of secondary RLS was made based on clinical symptoms, particularly burning feet. A comprehensive quantitative sensory testing (QST) protocol encompassing thermal and mechanical detection…