background Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (anmdare) is a serious disease, that has only been known since 2007; movement disorders form part of the neuropsychiatric symptomatology.
aim To provide an overview of movement disorders in anmdare and to emphasise the complexity of this disease with regard to diagnostics and treatment.
method We searched the literature using PubMed, Medline and Cochrane and the search terms ‘Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis’ OR ‘anti-nmda receptor encephalitis’ OR ‘anti-nmdar encephalitis’ AND ‘movement disorders’ OR ‘catatonia’.
results Orofacial dyskinesia is the most characteristic movement disorder in anmdare. Dyskinesia was observed in 80% of the patients; young children (<12 years old) have movement disorders more often.
conclusion Movement disorders are typical but aspecific symptoms of anmdare. More than one movement disorder is present in nearly all cases, a factor that can make early diagnosis difficult and can delay the start of appropriate treatment.