Current Perspectives and Practices in Infection-Related Movement Disorders (IRMD): Insights from a Survey of Members of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

BACKGROUND

Infection-related movement disorders (IRMD) represent an important group of secondary movement disorders whose prevalence, patterns, treatment and outcomes remain poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

To survey members of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society regarding prevailing practices in IRMD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted.

RESULTS

Of 95 responses received, 75 (78.9%) were from the Asia-Oceania (AO) region and were further analyzed. The highest number of responses was from India (67/75, 89.3%). The most frequent phenotypes included ataxia (64, 85.3%), chorea (49, 65.3%), myoclonus (55, 73.3%) and parkinsonism (43, 57.3%). Tuberculosis-related (61, 81.3%), subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (50, 66.7%), and dengue-related movement disorders (49, 65.3%) were most frequent. Variable outcomes were observed by 46 (61.3%) respondents and 66 (88%) indicated that up to 50% of patients experienced persistence of IRMD.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey provides critical insights into prevailing practices in the field of IRMD from the AO region.