Changing the Name of RLS

2011 -- Restless legs syndome is changing its name

WHAT WILL THE NAME CHANGE TO?

RLS has started the process in changing its name to Willis-Ekbom disease after Sir Thomas Willis (1621-1675) and Dr. Karl Axel Ekbom (1907-1977).

WHY CHANGE THE NAME?
To drop all incorrect descriptors:

·         RESTLESS: legs are supposed to move, not remain at rest.

·         LEGS: other body parts such as the arms or trunk are often involved.

·         SYNDROME: we now understand the pathophysiology of the disease. Syndrome indicates only a collection of symptoms.

WHEN WILL THE CHANGE OCCUR?
The RLS Foundation Board of Directors first confirmed the positive vote for the name change on January 15, 2011 after months of debate, discussion, and a survey of the RLS community. Staff is working on all the legal and procedural changes that must be in place before the new name goes into widespread use. The RLS Foundation and European RLS groups began reflecting the name change in September 2011 with a join press release.

On September 10, 2011 the International Restless Legs Study Group (IRLSSG) membership voted overwhelmingly to support the use of Willis-Ekbom disease as an alternate name for restless legs syndrome in countries or situations where the name “restless legs syndrome” has become problematic. This followed intensive study of the issue by an IRLSSG taskforce over the past year. Committee members considered ideal name characteristics and over 50 alternate names were considered. The committee concluded that inherent weaknesses of the name "restless legs syndrome"—it is an oxymoron (internal contradiction) and an inadequate descriptor (arms are often involved)—outweigh the difficulties in transitioning to a new name.

Click Here to read a detailed explanation of the motivation behind changing the name of RLS.